The Aphrodisiac Board for 2 offers a prelude of arousing flavors that may just lead up to a “main course” of love. Yes, as we approach February 14, romance is in the air, and we look for purposeful ways to spend time with that special someone in our lives. But this board is meant to be enjoyed anytime you’re in the mood to tantalize your partner’s senses. Boost your love life by sharing a variety of well-known aphrodisiac foods together with this sensual board.
Aphrodisiac Board for Two
So what’s on our board…and why?
Asparagus
We selected asparagus, but more specifically, Pickled Asparagus for our board. We like the firm, crisp texture, and the long sexy appearance of this aphrodisiac vegetable.
Asparagus is high in potassium, an important mineral for healthy sex-hormone production, and vitamin E, which promotes increased blood and oxygen flow to the nether-regions. Using pickling spices is a bonus. The garlic, dill, and chili pepper flakes in the pickling recipe all have aphrodisiac properties, giving the asparagus an added lift.
Berries
We selected blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries (covered in chocolate) for our board. Although not used here, raspberries are also considered an aphrodisiac berry, and make a beautiful addition of both color and flavor in the creating of a board.
It has been proposed that berries may improve men’s sexual health. Flavonoids and anthocyanins, nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their color, have been linked by researchers to reduction in the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, berries like blackberries include zinc, which has been suggested to play a role in testosterone production.
Cheese
When selecting our cheeses, we wanted to include both a savory and a sweet aspect to the board’s offerings. We chose Cabot Wickedly Habanero and a triple cream Brie. Each was selected with the thought of additional aphrodisiac properties.
But first, why cheese? Cheese contains tyrosine, an amino acid which helps to increase serotonin in the brain. Serotonin not only helps to elevate one’s mood, but may also lead to increased arousal. Cheese has also been found to increase testosterone levels, leading to a rev in libido.
So what other elements of our cheese selection might be considered a turn-on? Chili peppers contain a compound known as capsaicin, the component in hot peppers responsible for the “heat.” The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. These spicy peppers are said to increase blood flow. They literally cause your body to feel hot, and contemporaneously boost one’s libido.
For the Brie, we sprinkled a little saffron and drizzled some locally sourced honey.
Saffron, an exquisite spice, is an ancient aphrodisiac used in various cultures. In the Islamic world, as well as traditional Indian medicine, it is said to boost passion. In Ayurveda, it’s added to teas and wines to sharpen senses and ignite sensual desires. Saffron dust and threads were used in Ancient Rome to decorate wedding beds. And in Greek Mythology Zeus was said to sleep on a bed of saffron.
Oysters
Why Oyster Shooters? Simple. We love them. And oysters have long been believed to be an aphrodisiac. It has been said that Giacomo Casanova, 18th century Italian author and renowned lover of love, would eat a hefty portion of oysters for breakfast everyday because of their arousing properties.
Oysters are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also high in zinc, which is necessary in maintaining levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the sexual health of both men and women. The Bloody Mary portion of our oyster shooters includes other arousing ingredients like horseradish, which stimulates circulation and increases blood flow through the body, and hot sauce, another source of body-warming capsaicin.
Nuts
Nuts form a river of separation between the sweet and savory bites on the board. We like the different textural element they provide on a board with mostly soft, smooth textures. We chose a variety — pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
Pistachios contain arginine, an amino acid which can help improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of ED. Almonds and cashews also contain arginine as well as vitamin E and magnesium, all of which are beneficial in the production of testosterone. And as previously mentioned, testosterone plays a strong role in the arousal of both men and women.
Peppermint Leaves
As we were researching the items we wanted on our board, we came across chocolate dipped mint leaves. They are not only a refreshing addition the board, we also used them as a garnish for our bubbly.
Not only is the aroma of peppermint arousing, this herb has powerful stimulating properties. Peppermint oil can be used around a woman’s erogenous zones to make her more receptive to sexual pleasure. The compounds in mint responsible for the aroma may also increase concentration and spark alertness for both sexes. There’s also a practical appeal to the fresh leaves dipped in chocolate. You’re going to want to freshen your breath before you brush your lips against your partner’s.
While we haven’t performed a formal study producing evidence of the scientific aphrodisiac efficacy of any of our board ingredients, we do, however, love the sensual textures and appearances, and the diversity of flavors. And most importantly, we admit that we appreciate and surrender to the strong suggestion of all of their aphrodisiac effects.
Recipes by Zack Durkin and Anna Franklin
Styling by Anna Franklin and Star Laliberte
Story and Photography by Star Laliberte
Yearning for more about aphrodisiac foods? Read Aphrodisiac Foods for Love!
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