Aphrodisiac Foods: Fact, Folklore and How to Use Them

Aphrodisiac foods are those said to awaken desire: figs, honey, saffron, chilli, chocolate and oysters among them. To be honest, the science behind most of them is thin. Their real strength lies somewhere else: in how sensual they are, what they suggest, the ritual of a lovely meal and the anticipation of the night to come. Approached that way, they do the job nicely.

Below we look at the classic aphrodisiacs, what we know about each one, and how to use them when planning a dinner that sets the scene.

So what is an aphrodisiac?

Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, gives us the word. Nearly every culture keeps a list of foods thought to spark passion, usually picked for their shape, scarcity, warmth or price. Ancient Indian texts, including the last section of the Kama Sutra, give recipes intended to boost vigour and attraction, and medieval Europe valued Eastern spices for much the same reason. A lot of these ideas owe more to symbolism than to chemistry.

Today’s research is uneven. Certain foods contain nutrients broadly associated with good health or circulation, and a handful have small studies to their name. Yet reviews of the evidence tend to find that no single food dependably raises desire by itself. Mood, health, sleep, stress and the person you are with count for much more.

The classics, and what research shows

Oysters

The best-known aphrodisiac of them all, its reputation boosted by the tale of Casanova downing dozens at a time. Oysters are high in zinc, which the body needs to produce hormones properly, but there is no sound evidence that they raise desire. What they offer is glamour: oysters with a chilled glass of something turn a meal into an event.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate holds compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine that are occasionally connected with mood, but the quantities are tiny and research has not found a clear effect on desire. Its worth is simply pleasure, and sharing a pudding is a sweet, intimate thing to do.

Chilli

Capsaicin, which gives chillies their heat, quickens the pulse, warms the skin and may cause a flush, all a little like the feeling of excitement. The science stops about there, but a gently spicy dish definitely brightens a meal.

Saffron

The priciest spice in the world, prized from Persia to Kashmir. A few small studies have hinted that saffron may affect mood and desire, but the studies are small and nothing is settled. In cooking it adds colour, fragrance and a feeling of indulgence.

Figs, honey and strawberries

Since antiquity, figs have been associated with fertility and sensuality, mostly because of their appearance. Honey has a long romantic past and a charming tale linking it to the word honeymoon, although that origin is disputed. Strawberries are sweet, simple to share and an obvious classic. Science barely supports any of them; every one tastes wonderful.

Ginseng and maca

Ginseng comes from East Asian tradition and maca from the Andes, where both have long served as remedies, and a few small studies have examined what they do. Findings are mixed and the research is sparse. If you are considering a supplement, ask a pharmacist first, particularly if you are on other medication.

Asparagus, avocado and pomegranate

All three carry a romantic reputation, largely down to their shape, colour or folklore. They are good for you and look attractive on the plate, which alone justifies them.

Aphrodisiacs around the world

Each food culture has its own romantic favourites, and many offer great ideas for a menu:

• India. Warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron have long been valued in spiced milk and sweets, and Ayurvedic tradition holds many recipes said to promote vitality.
• The Mediterranean. Seafood, olive oil, figs, pomegranates and honey, enjoyed slowly over a lingering lunch, are romantic enough on their own.
• Central America. The Aztecs drank chocolate, and the story goes that the emperor Montezuma had some before visiting his wives. It is probably exaggerated, but chocolate makers have made good use of it for centuries.
• East Asia. Ginseng holds a long-standing place in traditional medicine, prized for energy and stamina.

Why they still work, after a fashion

If the chemistry is shaky, why have aphrodisiacs lasted? Because the effect is genuine, only not in the way the myths claim. Food that looks lovely and is shared really does shift the mood. Eating with your hands, sampling from each other’s plates, taking your time over dessert: each creates a small moment of intimacy. Anticipation helps as well. When you both understand what oysters are meant to signal, the meaning comes to the table with them.

Still, the larger factors are those covered by our guides on intimacy and connection and flirting well: attention, conversation and time.

Planning an aphrodisiac dinner date

• Stay light. A big three-course dinner usually makes people drowsy. A run of small plates or a tasting menu is better.
• Open with something special. Oysters, a fine crudo or a small glass of champagne get things off to the right start.
• Bring some warmth. A softly spiced main, maybe with saffron or a hint of chilli. Indian, Persian and Thai cooking all excel at this.
• Share a pudding. Dark chocolate, figs and honey, or strawberries. A single plate and two spoons.
• Take it easy with the wine. One or two glasses enhance an evening; more than that spoils it, as our guide on lasting longer explains.
• Pick the setting with care. Low lighting, a quiet corner and well-spaced tables count for more than what is on the menu.

For somewhere to put this into practice, our selection of London’s most romantic restaurants and the capital’s Michelin-starred dining rooms make good places to begin.

A dinner date with an escort

Many of our clients love just this kind of evening with an escort. A dinner date generally runs for about three hours and costs around £800, with a leisurely meal followed by time together, and overnights can be arranged as well. Both are best arranged a day or two in advance, and our page on dinner dates and overnights sets out how they work. Ladies whose profiles show the girlfriend experience or party girl usually adore a good restaurant.

Our rates cover time and companionship; anything beyond that is a private matter for two consenting adults, and she may decline whatever she is not comfortable with. Look through our London escorts, then phone or WhatsApp via the booking page to plan your evening.