Strawberries, Chocolate, and the Myth of Romantic Foods That Work Too Well
For the love of food, let’s get right to it: are strawberries an aphrodisiac food, or is it all just one delicious myth?
From chocolate-covered strawberries to fresh oysters on ice, nine times out of ten, the foods we associate with love often come with surprising lore. If you’re into that sort of thing, i.e., indulgent bites and a little bit of history, keep reading as we unpack the myths (and perhaps, some truths) behind the most famous aphrodisiac foods.
Chocolate: The sweetest symbol of love
Ah, chocolate. If there’s one food that’s forever been associated with love, it’s this sweet treat. You can trace chocolate’s romantic roots back to the Aztecs, who regularly consumed it and believed in its aphrodisiac effects.
While science doesn’t fully back these claims, there’s no denying why chocolate is the ultimate love symbol. Whether it’s the allure of a box of truffles or rich fondue, or if it truly sparks desire, we’ll leave that for you to decide.
Oysters: The OG aphrodisiac
When most people wonder what foods are known aphrodisiacs, oysters are typically the first to come to mind. According to Greek history, oysters were linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who was said to have emerged from the sea on an oyster shell itself.
While oysters do contain zinc, a mineral essential for testosterone production and reproductive health, there’s no conclusive evidence proving they have any direct impact on desire, as goes for many so-called aphrodisiac foods. But hey, sometimes the romance is all in the experience, and who can resist sharing this briny delicacy?
Pomegranates: The fruit of fertility
This vibrant red fruit was once a representation of marriage to the Romans, with brides adorning themselves with pomegranate wreaths during wedding ceremonies.
Today, many still consider pomegranates an aphrodisiac food thanks to their antioxidants and abundance of heart-healthy benefits. And love potion or not, this fruit has earned its place in the mythology of romance.
Strawberries: The berry best ingredient to love
There’s a reason why strawberries paired with whipped cream or chocolate often go hand-in-hand with a sensual experience. The story goes that in Ancient Rome, strawberries were a special token of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
With their heart-like shape, bright red hue, and irresistibly juicy bite, you really can’t blame people for considering strawberries a timeless emblem of love. They may help you make magic in the bedroom or sweeten just about any moment.
Honey: The liquid gold of romance
This one might surprise you. You know the term “honeymoon”? Well, it gets its name from the fact that honey is used in a wine called mead, and it was a medieval tradition for wedding guests to give the couple mead to enjoy after the wedding.
The belief was that the honey in the wine would bless the newlyweds with sweetness and fertility. So, looks like honey doesn’t just sweeten the ole deal—but it seals the love for generations to come.
Romantic foods: Myth or fact?
While the science and history behind the sensual power of foods like strawberries and chocolate may remain a bit murky, one thing’s for sure: they’ve been beloved symbols of romance for centuries. The next time you’re looking to add a little sweetness to your romantic evening, keep these treats in mind as they just may be the perfect ingredient.
