Foods as an aphrodisiac: ingredients to linger over this Valentine’s Day

Searches for “best aphrodisiac for women” have surged by over 5,000% in the last month, and with #valentinesdaydinner clocking up thousands of TikTok posts, it’s clear couples are searching for foods that do more than just look appetising on the plate. Here’s what you should be adding to your 14 February dishes and why.

Think you know what foods will woo your partner this rapidly approaching Valentine’s Day?  You might be surprised, as the answer isn’t oysters, Champagne or a box of heart-shaped chocolates. In fact, some of the foods linked to desire are far stranger – think honey, beetroot, nutmeg, thyme, and even butternut squash. But why these? We spoke to greetings card marketplace thortful, and nutritionist Emmy Clinton, about the science behind foods that may help support mood, circulation and relaxation. Because while no meal guarantees fireworks, they may well leave you far more inclined to linger over dinner.

What actually makes a food an aphrodisiac?

Despite what rom coms might suggest, aphrodisiacs aren’t magic love potions that guarantee instant sparks. “Aphrodisiacs are foods that are believed to heighten arousal and desire, but most don’t work in an immediate, dramatic way,” says Emmy. Instead of flipping a switch, she says they tend to work quietly in the background, helping to boost energy levels, promote blood flow, or simply make you feel happier and more relaxed. So if you were relying on oysters and hope alone, it might be time to rethink the menu, as some of the most famous aphrodisiacs don’t quite deserve their reputation. “Oysters are known for sparking instant desire, but you would need to eat too many to get the real effect,” she continues. “Chocolate tastes indulgent, but the actual chemical effects of promoting desire are minuscule.”

The ingredients that are worth flirting with

While some classics are overhyped, there are ingredients worth adding to a Valentine’s menu. “Some aphrodisiac ingredients you could include are chilli peppers, pomegranate, strawberries, and honey, but some of the most interesting ingredients are the quiet overachievers. Saffron may help improve mood and arousal; beetroot helps support circulation; maca root is known for boosting energy and desire; asparagus is linked to pleasure-related chemicals in the body; and nutmeg is known to be a mild stimulant.” And if you’re wondering whether to go sweet or savoury, the answer is simple: don’t choose. “Savoury dishes create a feeling of comfort and relaxation, while sweet food triggers feelings of indulgence, pleasure and sensuality.” Start savoury, finish sweet, and let the mood do the rest.

Dishes designed to turn up the heat

To put the theory to the test (purely for research purposes), thortful and Silvia Mocsari from Honey Heaven share these three easy but unexpected recipes for two for Valentine’s Day.

CBD Honey Super Salad

Silvia says: “This tasty salad accompaniment is made with all good things – beetroot, potato, quinoa, and rocket with a generous sprinkling of nuts and seeds to add texture. A study suggests that eating nuts, especially walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts can improve blood flow, helping get things up [ahem]. The same can be claimed of pomegranate seeds, while the finishing touch is a mustard dressing sweetened by our fabulous CBD honey. And the good news for romantics? CBD products may improve libido by reducing anxiety.”

Ingredients

• 2 sweet potatoes
• 2 cooked beetroots
• 120g of rocket
• 130g of cooked quinoa

Dressing

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons yoghurt or mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons CBD Honey 

Toppings

• Handful of walnuts or almonds
• Handful of cranberries
• Handful of pumpkin seeds
• Handful of edamame beans
• Pomegranate seeds
• Pear slices (optional)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients of the dressing and set aside.
2. Chop sweet potatoes and beetroot, put on a tray, drizzle with olive oil and salt. Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C. Let cool.
3. Assemble salad by mixing rocket and quinoa, layer on a big dish and add sweet potatoes, beetroot, all the toppings you’re using and then finish up with a drizzle of dressing.

Butternut Squash Orzo

Silvia says: “Although there’s little scientific evidence to support it, Australians believe that butternut squash has aphrodisiac properties. What’s more, thyme is among the fragrant herbs that allegedly contain erotically-stimulating agents, long incorporated into cooking, incenses, and romantic rubs.”

Ingredients

Roasted butternut squash

• 340g butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (leaves only, no sprigs)
• 2 tablespoons of organic soft set honey

Orzo

• 225g uncooked orzo
• 5 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 600g chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 141.75g fresh spinach
• 119g of heavy cream or full fat coconut milk
• salt and pepper
• fresh thyme

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
2. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, honey, and thyme. Spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Roast squash in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes.
4. Cook orzo by heating olive oil in a skillet. Add orzo, garlic, paprika, and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add chicken stock, salt, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Stir in kale until wilted, then add heavy cream or coconut milk, and season to taste.
7. Add roasted butternut squash to the cooked orzo, then top with fresh thyme.

Fudgy Brownies and Honey with Raw Cacao

Silvia says: “Of course, the classic gift on Valentine’s Day is chocolate, so as an alternative dessert, serve these fabulous fudgy brownies made with organic honey and Raw Cacao for the ultimate in aphrodisiacal properties.”

Makes about 12 brownies

Ingredients

• 240ml unsweetened applesauce
• 120ml organic honey with raw cacao
• 115g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 125g plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 90g chocolate chips (optional – dark or milk)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease or line a 23×23cm (9×9 inch) square baking tin with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Honey Heaven Organic Honey with Raw Cacao, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet until just combined — don’t overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
6. Pour mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 20–25minutes, or until a skewer/tester comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let the brownies cool in the tin for at least 20 minutes before slicing into 12 squares.

Disclaimer: This product contains hemp-derived CBD with THC levels below 0.2%. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before use.