Post by estatigua (Tiggy) on Feb 7, 2007 12:11:22 GMT -5
Lover’s Salad with Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette from The Kitchen Herbalist
This is a fun salad that uses many fruits, vegetables and herbs that have folklore stories and history about their aphrodisiac qualities. In ancient times fertility was a very important issue and so there was quite a bit of interest in finding ways to increase fertility and improve performance.
Nutrition was a key concern in earlier times, for undernourishment reduces fertility and can create a loss of libido as well. Therefore, many of the traditional aphrodisiacs are very nutritious. I have increased the nutritional availability by adding vinegar to the mix. Vinegar helps pull out minerals from food and herbs and so they become easier for your body to benefit from.
Aphrodisiacs were also determined by a theory called the Doctrine of Signatures which says that plants’ physical appearance and growing personality are indicators of what medicinal quality they may have. For example, the avocado grows on a tree in pairs hanging down side by side and have been said to have the appearance of testicles . In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacatl” which means “testicle tree”.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc and general minerals were all considered important in the realm of sensual pleasure and success. It stands to reason that this would still be true today. Nutrition is key to health, vitality and pleasure!
Here is a quick listing of some of the aphrodisiac foods and herbs used in this recipe:
Almonds – A fertility symbol throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female.
Arugula – High in mineral content
Avocado – Has been called the “testicle tree” because if it’s growing habit. Also high in healthy fats and B vitamins.
Basil – Brings feelings of well being. Said to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility.
Fennel – Fresh fennel, the Greeks and Hindus believe it to be a potent sexual stimulant.
Mango – High in vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants and are luscious to eat
Raspberries/Strawberries – Have been called love nipples and have vitamin C and bioflavinoids (helps circulation)
Rose Petals - A classic call to the heart
Cardamom – A traditional East Indian spice that is said to increase male vigor.
Damiana – Traditionally a female aphrodisiac, it is said to unlock the inner fire and release inhibitions.
Hibiscus – High in vitamin C and gives a sensual magenta red color to the vinaigrette
Nutmeg – Prized by Chinese women as an evening “spice” to warm up a night
Vanilla – The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust.
Honey – Minerals and sweetness that help to synergize nutrition and the spirit
Vinegar – Helps to break down and make available the nutrition and medicinal constituents in plants and herbs
RECIPE
Salad Mixture makes 2 servings.
Ingredients:
1 cup romaine lettuce, cut chiffonade (in horizontal strips like ribbons)
1/2 cup arugala leaves (not essential if you cant find a supplier)
1/3-1/2 cup fresh basil, cut chiffonade
1 fresh avocado, chopped
1 ripe, juicy mango, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or strawberries, blackberries or blueberries)
optional fresh flower petals such as roses, carnations, dianthus or tulips
to taste Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
Method:
Toss the fresh basil together with the lettuce and arugala and then put on serving plate. Top with all the rest of the ingredients. Drizzle on the Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette right before serving. Enjoy!
Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette makes about 14 oz.
Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Ingredients:
DRY HERB MIXTURE:
8 pods green cardamom
1/4 tsp. pink pepper, whole
1/4 inch piece whole nutmeg (about 1/4 -1/2 inch broken piece of a whole nutmeg or 1/16th teasthingy ground)
1 inch piece vanilla bean
1 tsp. damiana (a leafy herb that can be found in an herb store)
1 tsp. hibiscus, dried (find in an herb store)
6 rose petals, dried (free from pesticides – not from a florist!)
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove fresh garlic, smashed
2 Tbl honey
4 Tbl brown sugar
3/8 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup olive oil
Method:
Put vinegar in a small pot with the garlic clove and the dry herb mix and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Add the honey, brown sugar and salt. Let simmer for a few more minutes and then turn off heat. Cover pot and let steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain vinegar mixture into a blender. Slowly add oil to vinegar mixture as blender is running. Adjust salt and sugar to taste if needed.
Transfer into a glass bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Enjoy!
This is a fun salad that uses many fruits, vegetables and herbs that have folklore stories and history about their aphrodisiac qualities. In ancient times fertility was a very important issue and so there was quite a bit of interest in finding ways to increase fertility and improve performance.
Nutrition was a key concern in earlier times, for undernourishment reduces fertility and can create a loss of libido as well. Therefore, many of the traditional aphrodisiacs are very nutritious. I have increased the nutritional availability by adding vinegar to the mix. Vinegar helps pull out minerals from food and herbs and so they become easier for your body to benefit from.
Aphrodisiacs were also determined by a theory called the Doctrine of Signatures which says that plants’ physical appearance and growing personality are indicators of what medicinal quality they may have. For example, the avocado grows on a tree in pairs hanging down side by side and have been said to have the appearance of testicles . In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacatl” which means “testicle tree”.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc and general minerals were all considered important in the realm of sensual pleasure and success. It stands to reason that this would still be true today. Nutrition is key to health, vitality and pleasure!
Here is a quick listing of some of the aphrodisiac foods and herbs used in this recipe:
Almonds – A fertility symbol throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female.
Arugula – High in mineral content
Avocado – Has been called the “testicle tree” because if it’s growing habit. Also high in healthy fats and B vitamins.
Basil – Brings feelings of well being. Said to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility.
Fennel – Fresh fennel, the Greeks and Hindus believe it to be a potent sexual stimulant.
Mango – High in vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants and are luscious to eat
Raspberries/Strawberries – Have been called love nipples and have vitamin C and bioflavinoids (helps circulation)
Rose Petals - A classic call to the heart
Cardamom – A traditional East Indian spice that is said to increase male vigor.
Damiana – Traditionally a female aphrodisiac, it is said to unlock the inner fire and release inhibitions.
Hibiscus – High in vitamin C and gives a sensual magenta red color to the vinaigrette
Nutmeg – Prized by Chinese women as an evening “spice” to warm up a night
Vanilla – The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust.
Honey – Minerals and sweetness that help to synergize nutrition and the spirit
Vinegar – Helps to break down and make available the nutrition and medicinal constituents in plants and herbs
RECIPE
Salad Mixture makes 2 servings.
Ingredients:
1 cup romaine lettuce, cut chiffonade (in horizontal strips like ribbons)
1/2 cup arugala leaves (not essential if you cant find a supplier)
1/3-1/2 cup fresh basil, cut chiffonade
1 fresh avocado, chopped
1 ripe, juicy mango, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or strawberries, blackberries or blueberries)
optional fresh flower petals such as roses, carnations, dianthus or tulips
to taste Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
Method:
Toss the fresh basil together with the lettuce and arugala and then put on serving plate. Top with all the rest of the ingredients. Drizzle on the Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette right before serving. Enjoy!
Aphrodisiac Vinaigrette makes about 14 oz.
Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Ingredients:
DRY HERB MIXTURE:
8 pods green cardamom
1/4 tsp. pink pepper, whole
1/4 inch piece whole nutmeg (about 1/4 -1/2 inch broken piece of a whole nutmeg or 1/16th teasthingy ground)
1 inch piece vanilla bean
1 tsp. damiana (a leafy herb that can be found in an herb store)
1 tsp. hibiscus, dried (find in an herb store)
6 rose petals, dried (free from pesticides – not from a florist!)
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove fresh garlic, smashed
2 Tbl honey
4 Tbl brown sugar
3/8 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup olive oil
Method:
Put vinegar in a small pot with the garlic clove and the dry herb mix and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Add the honey, brown sugar and salt. Let simmer for a few more minutes and then turn off heat. Cover pot and let steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain vinegar mixture into a blender. Slowly add oil to vinegar mixture as blender is running. Adjust salt and sugar to taste if needed.
Transfer into a glass bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Enjoy!
