Guide to Aphrodisiacs: Aphrodisiacal Food and Drink

The basic rule for selecting aphrodisiacal food is simple: the more expensive the food, the higher the probability that people will believe in it. Of course, if somebody is prepared to spoon-feed you caviar (the real stuff!) it might suggest that the person is seriously interested in you, which, in turn, could stimulate your interest in that person.

Seafood

According to common wisdom, almost any kinds of seafood could act as an aphrodisiac. Lobster, oysters or sole should work equally well as long as they are expensive.

As can be seen from the symbol of this site (Jan Steen: Het oestereetstertje) oysters personified the concept of aphrodisiacs already during the 17th century. Offering an oyster was more than just offering something to eat...

One reason for the popularity of seafood in general and oysters in particular could be that such food generally is light. You do not end up overstuffed (and then underperforming) after half a dozen oysters in their shells, followed by skate wings with a glass of chardonnay.

If you have to select one single seafood, I would recommend chipi-chipi, a small Venezuelan clam widely known for its aphrodisiacal effects.

Fruits and nuts

The aphrodisiacal fruits and nuts have a post of their own. The most impressive nut, the pine nut, is given the special attention it deserves.

Beverages

Most aphrodisiac beverages contain alcohol; these are discussed on the separate page "Alcoholic beverages". Asses' milk had a strong reputation among Romans and arabs, but mainly when used topically. Rubbing the genitals twice a day with this milk had beneficial effects. According to "The Perfumed Garden", the virile member would become "uncommonly strong and vigorous". It is also supposed to have effects on women: Poppea, the wife of the Roman emperor Nero, is said to have bathed in it.

Some non-alcoholic aphrodisiac beverages will soon be added.

Recipies

We have brought together a delightful collection of recipes for aphrodisiacal dishes. If you and your partner believe firmly in them, we can almost guarantee success. And even if you don't, you will have some enjoyable meals.

Other food

Burchard I, bishop of Worms 1000-1025, describes an interesting approach to aphrodisiacs. When the wheat had been harvested but before it was threshed, a woman would undress and roll around over the wheat, which was then threshed and taken to the mill. After milling (counterclockwise!) the flour was used by the woman for the preparation of "love breads". Any man eating such a bread would immediately desire the woman.