The humble avocado has such a “suggestive” shape, word on the historical eat street is Catholic priests in Spain banned the tree and fruit as being far too obscene to hang in their neighborhood. Aside from that, avocados are packed full of folic acid, vitamin B6, and potassium which help keep the body healthy and ready for any type of, er, romantic action. Add this simple Avocado and green apple salad to your V. Day menu.

Permission to eat a ton of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Seriously. This is not a drill. This heavenly food contains a host of feel-good stuff like PEA (phenylethylamine), common name “love chemical”, which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, inducing feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Basically it’s the true love trifecta. Extra points for offering freshly baked Chocolate halva brownies.

Oysters: they’re the food most often used to solve the date night menu dilemma. Why? They contain a ton of zinc, which ramps up the libido to maximum. Serve au natural with a chilled glass of French fizz or go for the fancy option via this delicious recipe, Oysters with beurre blanc.

This spiced up little pepper punches above its weight in the matchmaking arena. They stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel good chemicals), dial the heart rate up, and make you sweat… Exactly how you feel when you’re aroused. Get involved via Prawn fajitas with spicy avocado and tomato salsa.

Bananas are an obvious addition to the aphrodisiac must-have list. Just look at them. Remind you of anything? Shape aside, the bright yellow beauties contain bromelain, an enzyme triggering testosterone production. Plus they’re packed with potassium and vitamin B, which elevate energy levels. If you’re thinking a breakfast date, try the Coconut pancakes with banana and creme fraiche.

The word honeymoon came from the ye olde alcoholic honey-based beverage called mead, which was given to happy new Mr and Mrs types. Ergo it’s long been associated with loved up coupledom and good times. From a scientific standpoint it contains a mineral called boron, which is said to promote sex drive in both lads and ladies via enhancing testosterone levels. Heady stuff indeed. Start with these Honey pots and go from there.

The first recorded couple, Adam and Eve, saw the writing on the passion wall. They were heavily involved with figs from the get go; fashioning fig leaves into the first recorded undergarments and eating the sexy fruit while stitching their cover ups. With such a legit liturgical history, figs are A1 on the adoration spark up food scale. Filled with potassium and powerful antioxidants, they are also the #cleaneating romantic no brainer. Add some honey via this Honey roasted figs with limoncello creme fraiche and you’ll be the king or queen of hearts.

Pine nuts: this staple pesto ingredient is packed with zinc, which has been linked to a healthy sex drive. Spin a Sorrel pesto piadina into the menu mix for a great date night in.

We often store fresh herbs in the fridge, however, basil will wilt and go brown. Treat herbs like you would flowers and put the stems in a water-filled mason jar on your kitchen bench. Pretty and practical.

Olive oil is chock full of the “good” fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) which are essential for a healthy heart, blood flow and putting hormone production into drive. Olives and their oil are also packed with vitality inducing antioxidants. It’s one powerful ingredient. These Hot and spicy olives are the ideal appetizer to set the mood.

A Sparkling cocktail with iced strawberries will alleviate any awkward Valentine’s day nerves. Plus, ruby red strawberries were the symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, sex and beauty. She knew an aphrodisiac at fifty paces, feel free to follow her lead.

Not ready to take your paramour to the dinner date stage? Set a coffee date instead with a Coffee and Amaretto Panna Cotta and a piping hot cup of Joe. Coffee is the socially acceptable/essential stimulant, with plenty of aphrodisiac props in the caffeine hit. Excitement, energy, and stamina, it’s all found in the beans.