Ah, Valentine's Day — the one day each year dedicated to chocolates, flowers, romance, and spending quality time with that special someone. As it turns out though, food on Valentine's Day can do more than just serve as edible affection, and certain edibles can actually help you get some, um, affection. You may know some of the more common aphrodisiacs, and maybe even some of the stranger ones (looking at you, pine nuts), but how often do you just serve your partner straight up avocado or pomegranate? This list not only includes some aphrodisiacs that you might not have known about, but also gives you some ways to actually incorporate them into meals for you and your boo this Valentine's Day.
*Disclaimer, this list contains neither peaches nor cream, sorry Snoop Dogg.
Pomegranate Fudge
This combination had to happen. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Pomegranate is an aphrodisiac. Chocolate and pomegranate together taste like heaven, so it really just makes sense. Pomegranates increase testosterone production, and chocolate stimulates phenylethlamine levels (a fancy chemical that makes you happy), so this treat is perfect for you and your special someone to indulge in on Valentine's day. There are recipes for easy and delicious pomegranate fudge all over, from simple to incredibly bougie, so it's perfect for all types of cooks. You can even find tips for how to open a pomegranate without staining every free area of your kitchen. Take it from me, you might want to check those out first.
Cinnamon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
If you've never eaten pumpkin seeds before, you have no idea how much you're missing out. Not only are they delicious, but they have libido boosting vitamins and minerals like zinc, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins B, E, C, D, and K. I have a not-so-minor cinnamon addiction, so when I found out that cinnamon increases all kinds of appetites, I figured I was justified in it. Toss the pumpkin seeds with some oil, or even maple syrup, coat them in cinnamon, roast them until they're golden brown, and then share them with your special valentine, or keep them all for yourself because they're just too delicious.
Watermelon Sorbet and Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae
No really, you heard that correctly. Watermelon, apart from being everyone's favorite summer snack, relaxes blood vessels and results in a higher sex drive. This really puts that summer fling you had in a whole new light...or at least gives you an excuse for it. Plus, you can even make it yourself really easily, and it'll make your date think you're classy and talented. Sadly, it's not the ice cream part of the vanilla ice cream that works the magic, but the vanilla, which has been studied for years due to its ability to increase male potency. Plus, every good sundae needs whipped cream, if you know what I'm saying.
This Valentine's Day, do yourself a favor, ditch the flowers and wine (ok, maybe just the flowers), and whip up one of these indulgences. Not only will you save money, but you'll set the perfect atmosphere. After all, these treats are pretty much guaranteed, both literally and figuratively, to bring just the right amount of sugar to your Valentine's Day.