Across all cultural borders people dream of helping love along with a few culinary ingredients. What could be more logical than to take a look in mother nature's garden for fruits, herbs and spices which heighten the lust for love? Even today, when the most exotic fruits and the most unusual vegetables are on sale all year round, aphrodisiac foods have lost none of their esoteric aura. Be it oysters, asparagus, strawberries, wine or cocoa – quite a considerable number of foods and drinks have a reputation for enhancing sexual desire.
Our seductive recipe "Poppy mousse with figs" is really simple to prepare and contains a number of ingredients which are said to have an aphrodisiac effect.
Honey
(Mel)
Honey is one of the oldest foods known to man. This high-quality food, which is produced by bees, comprises nearly 80% glucose, saccharine and dextrines, yet also contains small amounts of organic acids and traces of vitamins and minerals. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties honey is an effective medicine; as it is also sustaining and stimulating it ranks among the natural aphrodisiacs. After all, it is said to be as sweet as love itself.
Poppy
(Papaver somniferum)
The opium poppy originates from the southern coast of the Black Sea and was already a commonly cultivated plant in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used the plant's seeds in a number of fertility rituals, and it was often mixed into stimulating drinks. As a result of its anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory qualities the poppy is now mainly administered as a medicine to combat chronic diseases which are associated with pain.
Figs
(Ficus carica)
For centuries now figs have been regarded as a symbol of fertility due to their shape and many kernels. It is not by chance that a fig-leaf was used by Adam and Eve to cover their genitals once they had become aware of their nakedness. Figs are generally eaten fresh or in their dried form, or are processed to make juices and wines.
Mint
(Mentha)
Not only are many sweet dishes refined with mint, it is also excellently suited to chutneys, fresh salads, yoghurt creams, soups and vegetables. Probably the best-known dish is mint sauce from England, which is generally served with lamb. The healing properties of mint are well known, and depending upon the application it has both cooling as well as warming properties. Due to its diaphoretic properties (the ability to produce sweat), it is often used to combat colds and influenza. When applied externally the plant has a refreshing and stimulating effect. Moreover peppermint is regarded as a successful means of enhancing potency.
Source: "Im Glas noch deines Kusses Hauch. Ein erotisches Kochbuch", Angela Troni, Rütten & Loening, Berlin 2001
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