In this most romantic of weeks The Ambrette restaurant in Margate is offering a twist on the normal Valentine’s offerings with an Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu for its guests. Their Chef, Dev Biswal knows that aphrodisiacs have always been used for the Indian cookery and the recipes’ secrets are passed on from generation to generation.

So the Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu has been created to maximise use of ingredients known for their romance-inducing properties, and if you aren’t able to get down to the Ambrette this Valentine’s day here’s Dev’s list of aphrodisiac ingredients:

Here is a selection of 16 aphrodisiacs

• Celery contains testosterone which also has a powerful effect on women’s libido.

• Carrots, fennel and onions are good aphrodisiacs which affect sex drive ( and easy to find at the local supermarket)

• Ashwagandha is considered as  “The King” of India spices and is a ” herbal miracle” that works on reproductive and nervous systems as a sexual and energy tonic with a rejuvenating effect. Basil stimulates the sex drive, boosts fertility and produces a general sense of well-being.  It has great benefits in this and a person can use it for a long-time without a recorded failure.

• Rasam is made with fresh local scallops, tiger prawns and mussels flavoured with asafoetida.  Shellfish have traces of zinc, which stimulates sex drive.

• Asafoetida has been compared favourably to sildenafil, known by the brand name Viagra.

• Ginger is mentioned in the Kama Sutra. Its classification as a natural aphrodisiac comes from its ability to increase circulation.

• History attests to Coriander‘s mystical aphrodisiac potency. The Chinese used the herb in love potions.

• The exotic, fleshy fruit of the Fig is said to act as a powerful sexual stimulant. For the ancient Greeks the fig was one of the sacred foods associated with fertility and love. In some Southern European countries wedding guests throw figs (instead of rice) at the newly weds, as a sign of fertility.

• Among the Arabs Nutmeg has been used to treat digestive problems and also been valued as an aphrodisiac; The Hindus embraced the spice for its  sensual properties as a stimulant in raising body heat and sweetening breath.

• Betel is prescribed by ancient Ayurvedic physicians because of its deodorant, aphrodisiac and invigorating properties. Betel leaf came to form a part of the ritual with which a wife welcomed her husband.

• Cardamom contains at least two androgenic compounds. It shows up as the best source of the compound cineole – a stimulant on the central nervous system stimulant.

• Part of Saffron‘s magical property is the enhancement of “lust”. Saffron is capable of affecting the neurotransmitters. Its ingestion is found to be a soothing relaxant capable of lowering blood pressure and stimulating the respiration. Its properties also appear to stimulate the libido and the erogenous zones.

• Coconut and Tamarind seeds used are said to Improves sexual potency and fertility.

Let Curry Culture know how you get on – but we take no responsibility for any failures.