You probably know that chocolate and oysters are aphrodisiacs (though we wouldn’t recommend serving them in the same dish). Here are some other ingredients believed to have certain “romantic powers.”
Carrots. Used by Middle Eastern Royalty. Probably only because of its, uhm, shape.
Coffee. It’s a stimulant but only in small amounts. Serve dark coffee in demitasse cups. Perfect for your “all-nighter”.
Coriander (Cilantro seed). Thought to stimulate “appetite.”
Fennel. Contains loads of estrogens and was used by Egyptians to lift libido.
Figs. Its shape was suggestive of the female organs — possibly why in the Middle East it was considered very erotic for a man to break open a fig and eating it in front of his lover. (Doesn’t quite have the same effect when it’s in Newtons.)
Garlic. So hot that it makes you…hot. Just brush your teeth before you try anything.
Ginger. What the heck, you’ve got the garlic, might as well do a full saute.
Honey. Egyptians used this to cure sterility. In fact, it was used by the Middle ages to seduce frightened brides into the bed. Hence the word “honeymoon.”