Aphrodisiac Foods

Bay leaf

A symbol of virility, Roman heroes were crowned with laurel leaves.

Figs

Europe considered this an aphrodisiac because of its shape and color. In Greece it was a sacred food and associated with fertility and physical love

Spinach

From Persia, not only is it rich in vitamins and minerals..it is believed to strengthen the body and desire to make love

Cherry

Jocks used to boast of "popping a cherry"...a crude way to refer breaking hymen during intercourse

Tomato

The Spanish took it back to Europe and labeled it the "love apple"....red, juicy, and sensual flesh

Eggplant

The arabic world leaders (the sultans) had huge harems...women were viewed as flesh and temptation and kept for pleasure. Most effective aphrodisiac.

Mint

Used in candies and drinks and many main dish recipes. Shakespeare refers to it as a stimulant for middle-aged gentlemen (along with lavender and rosemary)

Basil

Used in many Italian dishes. Most effective when fresh. For many cultures, including Haiti, it is associated with fertility and passion

Cardamon

Used in the Middle East and the East for cooking. It is put in coffee in Arabic countries to enhance flavor and to promote good feelings among friends.

Lavender

Used now for soaps and perfumes, but in the past used as an aphrodisiac in cooking. Used as a stimulant in making love

Artichoke

a person going from lover to lover is said to have a heart like this...scattering leaves in his or her wake

Anise

a plant with white flowers and small, aromatic seeds. Used to make jam, salad dressings and liquors. Used in the Middle East to excite the lovemaking of newlyweds and to cure impotence

Banana

associated with erotic energy and is a phallic symbol

Almond

associated with passion and fertility and is considered the most sensual component of Arabic pastry making. Italians use it as a tonic for love

Grapes

associated with pleasure and fertility and the merry wine-making god Bacchus..connected to parties

oysters

called the "queen of aphrodisiacs"...eat them raw with lemon and let them slide down the throat

Beef

italians believe that raw meat is erotic...cut in very fine slices...called capaccio

Alcohol

often connected with the dating game or wedding rituals

testicles

organs of certain animals have been believed to have erotic properties. Men eat them, women usually don't. In US....rocky mountain oysters

Peach and apricot

sensual fruit often depicted in Asian art. It is soft, fleshy, and juicy...many would say it is a representation of the female parts.

Strawberries

shape, delicate fruit nipples, invite love and erotic behavior

Tea and Coffee

stimulating because of the caffeine, probably not an aphrodisiac unless it keeps you awake for night games

Shrimps, prawns, crabs, and lobsters

supposed to stimulate lovemaking

Corn

symbolizes fertility and abundance to the Italians of the Americas....a sacred plant

Goat

symbolizes male sexual energy

Apple

the symbol of temptation...Garden of Eden. It is also the symbolic fruit of Aphrodite..the Goddess of Love

Honey

used to make sensual sweets