PACIFIC OYSTERS WITH FROZEN CHAMPAGNE MIGNONETTE
James Boyce, Executive ChefLoews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, San Diego, CA 619-424-4477
MAKES 24 OYSTERSINGREDIENTS:24 each oystersThe Mignonette:
1/4 cup shallots
3/4 cup pickled ginger
1/2 cup champagne
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
3/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Preparing the Mignonette:
1.) Place ingredients in food processor and puree for one minute. Remove and place mixture in 9" pie tin and freeze.
2.) Shuck oysters and place on service platter. Scrape 1 teaspoon of frozen mignonette and place on top of each oyster.
3.) Garnish each oyster with a sprinkle of chives. Serve immediately.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Oysters Margarita
Chef Michael Mina of Aqua in San Francisco, CA and Las Vegas, NV
Yield: 2 servings
12 oysters on the half-shell
1.5 oz tequila
.5 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
1.5 oz Sour Mix
Fresh lime juice to taste
Splash of fresh orange juice
Mix all liquid ingredients and freeze. Shave over raw oysters of choice.
Chef Michael Mina of Aqua in San Francisco, CA and Las Vegas, NV
Yield: 2 servings
12 oysters on the half-shell
1.5 oz tequila
.5 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
1.5 oz Sour Mix
Fresh lime juice to taste
Splash of fresh orange juice
Mix all liquid ingredients and freeze. Shave over raw oysters of choice.
Arborio Crusted Oysters
Chef E. Michael Reidt, WISH at The Hotel, Miami Beach-Miami, FLAdapted by StarChefs
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 dozen oysters
Arborio crust:
1 cup Arborio rice
¼ cup coconut, shredded
2 Tablespoons anise seed
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 Tablespoon salt
Fennel mash:
4 bulbs fennel, roasted
7 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
4 Tablespoons butter
½ cup heavy cream
Spicy melon salad:
½ honeydew melon, julienned (collect and save melon juice)
½ cantaloupe, julienned(collect and save melon juice)
¼ cup lime juice
1 cup oil, vegetable or blend
Sriracha to taste
Salt to taste
Method:
To prepare Arborio crust: Place all crust ingredients in coffee grinder or blender and grind until fine.
To prepare spicy melon salad: Combine lime juice, oil, sriracha and salt. Pour over melon.
To prepare fennel mash: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain and add butter and heavy cream. Mash and set aside.
Split fennel bulbs into halves, then quarters. Toss fennel in bowl with ½ cup oil and 1 Tablespoon of salt. Wrap fennel in foil and roast at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until fork tender. Purée roasted fennel and fold into warm mashed potatoes. Add salt and adjust seasoning to taste.
To prepare oysters: Shuck oysters and set shells aside. Dip oysters in Arborio crust. Deep fry for 1 ½ minutes at 350 degrees.
To assemble: Arrange oyster shells however you wish to serve them. Place a dollop of the fennel mash on each shell. Place 1 oyster on top of each dollop and add some melon salad to each oyster. Drizzle some melon juice around the dish.
Recommended wine pairing: Hanna, Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, California 2000
Chef E. Michael Reidt, WISH at The Hotel, Miami Beach-Miami, FLAdapted by StarChefs
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 dozen oysters
Arborio crust:
1 cup Arborio rice
¼ cup coconut, shredded
2 Tablespoons anise seed
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 Tablespoon salt
Fennel mash:
4 bulbs fennel, roasted
7 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
4 Tablespoons butter
½ cup heavy cream
Spicy melon salad:
½ honeydew melon, julienned (collect and save melon juice)
½ cantaloupe, julienned(collect and save melon juice)
¼ cup lime juice
1 cup oil, vegetable or blend
Sriracha to taste
Salt to taste
Method:
To prepare Arborio crust: Place all crust ingredients in coffee grinder or blender and grind until fine.
To prepare spicy melon salad: Combine lime juice, oil, sriracha and salt. Pour over melon.
To prepare fennel mash: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain and add butter and heavy cream. Mash and set aside.
Split fennel bulbs into halves, then quarters. Toss fennel in bowl with ½ cup oil and 1 Tablespoon of salt. Wrap fennel in foil and roast at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until fork tender. Purée roasted fennel and fold into warm mashed potatoes. Add salt and adjust seasoning to taste.
To prepare oysters: Shuck oysters and set shells aside. Dip oysters in Arborio crust. Deep fry for 1 ½ minutes at 350 degrees.
To assemble: Arrange oyster shells however you wish to serve them. Place a dollop of the fennel mash on each shell. Place 1 oyster on top of each dollop and add some melon salad to each oyster. Drizzle some melon juice around the dish.
Recommended wine pairing: Hanna, Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, California 2000
Hog Island Oysters with Green Apple
Chef Rob Boone, Metro Kitchen + Bar-Miami, FLAdapted
by StarChefs
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
12 Hog Island oysters, very fresh (any similar rich, milky West Coast oyster will do)
Several pieces of green seaweed Note: Oysters should be freshly cleaned under running water to remove any excess shell pieces or dirt. Shuck them right before using them and keep them ice cold at all times.
Julienne apple salad:
1 Granny Smith apple; thin and short julienne
Pinch of chives, minced
Dash of extra virgin olive oil
Squeeze of lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Apple mignonette:
1 Granny Smith apple, juiced
½ a shallot, minced
Dash of high quality rice wine vinegar
Squeeze of lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
To prepare the julienne apple salad: Combine apple julienne with chives, olive oil, lime, salt and pepper.
To prepare the green apple mignonette: Combine juiced apple with shallot, rice wine vinegar, lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble: Serve oysters on a bed of crushed ice surrounded and garnished by a few pieces of green seaweed. Garnish each oyster with some of the julienned apple salad and a couple of splashes of the mignonette.
Chef Rob Boone, Metro Kitchen + Bar-Miami, FLAdapted
by StarChefs
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
12 Hog Island oysters, very fresh (any similar rich, milky West Coast oyster will do)
Several pieces of green seaweed Note: Oysters should be freshly cleaned under running water to remove any excess shell pieces or dirt. Shuck them right before using them and keep them ice cold at all times.
Julienne apple salad:
1 Granny Smith apple; thin and short julienne
Pinch of chives, minced
Dash of extra virgin olive oil
Squeeze of lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Apple mignonette:
1 Granny Smith apple, juiced
½ a shallot, minced
Dash of high quality rice wine vinegar
Squeeze of lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
To prepare the julienne apple salad: Combine apple julienne with chives, olive oil, lime, salt and pepper.
To prepare the green apple mignonette: Combine juiced apple with shallot, rice wine vinegar, lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble: Serve oysters on a bed of crushed ice surrounded and garnished by a few pieces of green seaweed. Garnish each oyster with some of the julienned apple salad and a couple of splashes of the mignonette.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Testosterone Replacement Theraphy
Testosterone Replacement Theraphy
Bayer Health Care
HealthToday Magazine
June 2008
Testosterone Deficiency- unfortunately, disease, aging or under-function of the testes can lead to a decline in testosterone production.
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
. lack of concentration and impaired memory
. decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
.joint pains and diminished strenght
.weight gain and expanding waistline
.nervousness and depression
.insomia and lack of energy
.periodic sweating
Testosterone Replacement Theraphy
In all forms of testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism, testosterone replacement theraphy forms the core of the treatment, it reverses a variety of symptoms and induces positive effects on:
. sexual function and mood, thus improving self-confidence and activity, and reduces fatigue and feeling of exhaustion
. body composition and muscle strength, by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass
.cardiovascular system, where total cholesterol decrease
.bone mineral density,where BMD increased and bome degradation decrease
Consult an expert
Consult your family doctor and tell him about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your family doctor may refer you to other specialists when necessary.
Urologist specialize in disorders of the male reproductive organs, kidneys and urinary tract. Potency problems are usually also treated by the urologist. An endocrinologist can further investigate your hormone function and any hormone-related diseases. As a testosterone deficiency can be associated with reduced fertility, you may also be refered to a specialist in reproductive medicine.
Ask your doctor about the first long-acting testosterone injection (testosterone undecanoate) for the treatment of male hypogonadism.
Bayer Health Care
HealthToday Magazine
June 2008
Testosterone Deficiency- unfortunately, disease, aging or under-function of the testes can lead to a decline in testosterone production.
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
. lack of concentration and impaired memory
. decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
.joint pains and diminished strenght
.weight gain and expanding waistline
.nervousness and depression
.insomia and lack of energy
.periodic sweating
Testosterone Replacement Theraphy
In all forms of testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism, testosterone replacement theraphy forms the core of the treatment, it reverses a variety of symptoms and induces positive effects on:
. sexual function and mood, thus improving self-confidence and activity, and reduces fatigue and feeling of exhaustion
. body composition and muscle strength, by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass
.cardiovascular system, where total cholesterol decrease
.bone mineral density,where BMD increased and bome degradation decrease
Consult an expert
Consult your family doctor and tell him about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your family doctor may refer you to other specialists when necessary.
Urologist specialize in disorders of the male reproductive organs, kidneys and urinary tract. Potency problems are usually also treated by the urologist. An endocrinologist can further investigate your hormone function and any hormone-related diseases. As a testosterone deficiency can be associated with reduced fertility, you may also be refered to a specialist in reproductive medicine.
Ask your doctor about the first long-acting testosterone injection (testosterone undecanoate) for the treatment of male hypogonadism.
Aphrodisiac Recipe Creamy Stuffed Figs
Creamy Stuffed Figs
ingredients
4 ounces pancetta or lean bacon, cooked and chopped
1⁄2 cup cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 fresh figs, stems removed
1⁄4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
Directions
Set a skillet over medium heat and cook the pancetta until cooked through and crisped. Drain and chop into small pieces.
Combine the pancetta, cream cheese, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make 2 vertical slices in each fig and spread into 4 quarters. Fill with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with the walnuts. Eat.
yields 2 servings
ingredients
4 ounces pancetta or lean bacon, cooked and chopped
1⁄2 cup cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 fresh figs, stems removed
1⁄4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
Directions
Set a skillet over medium heat and cook the pancetta until cooked through and crisped. Drain and chop into small pieces.
Combine the pancetta, cream cheese, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make 2 vertical slices in each fig and spread into 4 quarters. Fill with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with the walnuts. Eat.
yields 2 servings
Aphrodisiac Recipe
Honey-Glazed Salmon
ingredients
Olive oil for greasing
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, about 11⁄2 inches thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons chopped basil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour a bit of oil in a baking dish large enough to accommodate the salmon, and tilt to distribute the oil around the bottom of the dish. Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the baking dish. Pat the flesh dry, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the honey and smear with your fingers to coat evenly. Top with the basil. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the desired degree of doneness.
yields 2 servings
ingredients
Olive oil for greasing
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, about 11⁄2 inches thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons chopped basil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour a bit of oil in a baking dish large enough to accommodate the salmon, and tilt to distribute the oil around the bottom of the dish. Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the baking dish. Pat the flesh dry, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the honey and smear with your fingers to coat evenly. Top with the basil. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the desired degree of doneness.
yields 2 servings
Aphrodisiac Alcohol and Non-alcoholic Love Potion
Kama Sutra Nectar
Mix equal amounts of ghee (clarified butter), honey, licorice root and sugar. Combine with milk and fennel juice.Source: Kama Sutra (via Secrets of Venus, Vera Lee, Ph.D.)
Moses Maimonides' Mixture
From Medieval Israel Mix mustard seed, white pepper and kilkil grain. Grind and purify. Knead the resulting powder with oil of jasmine and drink three times a month. Source: Secrets of Venus, Vera Lee, Ph.D.
Spicy Vanilla Milkshake
1 cup milk
15 whole cloves
15 cardamom pods2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla bean, split1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
honey to taste (up to about a tablespoon)
Place milk, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Scrape in vanilla seeds from pod. Heat but do not boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Strain, discarding spices. Blend milk, yogurt or ice cream, and honey until smooth and frothy.Source:
Vanilla Rose Cordial
1 lb. Fresh or 4 oz. dry rose petals2 oz.
vanilla extract or 4 vanilla beans4 oz.
vitex4 oz. damiana
1 liter brandy
Thoroughly mix all ingredients. Cap and age for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. Strain and bottle. Stir 1 to 3 tablespoons into a cup of hot coffee or tea or into a glass of cold
mineral water. Alternately, have up to a wineglassful at night, sweetened with honey or a few drops of essential oil of rose.Source: Amanda McQuade Crawford, M.N.I.H.N.
Mix equal amounts of ghee (clarified butter), honey, licorice root and sugar. Combine with milk and fennel juice.Source: Kama Sutra (via Secrets of Venus, Vera Lee, Ph.D.)
Moses Maimonides' Mixture
From Medieval Israel Mix mustard seed, white pepper and kilkil grain. Grind and purify. Knead the resulting powder with oil of jasmine and drink three times a month. Source: Secrets of Venus, Vera Lee, Ph.D.
Spicy Vanilla Milkshake
1 cup milk
15 whole cloves
15 cardamom pods2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla bean, split1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
honey to taste (up to about a tablespoon)
Place milk, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Scrape in vanilla seeds from pod. Heat but do not boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Strain, discarding spices. Blend milk, yogurt or ice cream, and honey until smooth and frothy.Source:
Vanilla Rose Cordial
1 lb. Fresh or 4 oz. dry rose petals2 oz.
vanilla extract or 4 vanilla beans4 oz.
vitex4 oz. damiana
1 liter brandy
Thoroughly mix all ingredients. Cap and age for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. Strain and bottle. Stir 1 to 3 tablespoons into a cup of hot coffee or tea or into a glass of cold
mineral water. Alternately, have up to a wineglassful at night, sweetened with honey or a few drops of essential oil of rose.Source: Amanda McQuade Crawford, M.N.I.H.N.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Aphrodisiac Foods
The Aphrodisiac
Sensual Love
Exciting venereal desire, provocative...
Substances used to increase sexual desire...
Drug or food that arouses sexual pleasure
Stories from past history have told us of various strange sources in which people found plants, spices, animal parts, potions, and foods to contain sexual stimulants.
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Many plants and herbs have been found to be toxic, similar to marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Many aphrodisiacs have strong psychedelic effects, and are used in magic rituals to establish contacts with gods, spirits, ancestors, past and future, during shamanic healing sessions, for prophecy, and to heal many diseases.
Controversies have voiced their opinions: the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), medical doctors, health experts among others.
Some doctor's say that no such thing exists, that the only thing you need is a good diet and exercise..I can tell you that these doctor's have never personally experimented with nature.
-Some say Aphrodisiacs do not work, as others disagree-
Trial and error though, has given us the biggest clues to those substances that may truly affect certain parts of the human anatomy. Those managed by the American Indians, South American tribes, and people from the Orient to name a few.
I do not believe that the answer simply lies as a 'they don't work' or 'they do work.' If a substance has been used over and over, and has been repetitiously experimented with, there should be some questions baring curiosity maybe it's worth looking in to. It's true that some things affect men, while others directly affect women. But if we aim to remain open to all possibilities, maybe then we could discover the right recipe for ourselves personally. Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre!
-Origins of the Aphrodisiac-
Aphrodite was the Greek Goddess of Love. She was the 'Venus' of the Romans. Aphrodisiac was given its name through the love of Aphrodite. Aphrodisiacs are sought because of believing that they could enhance the greatest earthly pleasure that they have been given: Sex.
Man is lead by the hair of a drive that is stronger than he is.
The aphrodisiac's purpose is to enhance sexual urges & desire, (libido) and the sexual drive. They have been used for thousands of years... any chance the whole idea could be just the imagination? I think not. Many drugs are plant based. Nature is always full of surprises, and will always outlive any man-made substance. Without plants many man-made drugs would have never been imagined alone.
Aphrodisiac Plants Have Been Used for Ages:
-to help infertility and sterility
-for purposes of seduction
-to improve potency
-to spice up your sex life
The strongest aphrodisiacs are poisonous and overdoses can lead to death. Use psychotropic aphrodisiacs with caution. Herbs are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. Elements from the plant world, minerals, and those from the animal kingdom have incredible arousing effects on both men and women.
Herbs
Many Herbs Can Enhance Sexual Desire.....
Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex.
Damiana
Damiana definitely increases the sharpness of a female orgasm...there are two species of Damiana used in herbal healing and referred to as Damiana: Turnera aphrodisiaca and Turnera diffusa. It is known in Latin as "Tumera aphrodisiac."
Damiana resembles a small shrub that grows on rocky hills with plenty of exposure to the sun. It has aromatic leaves and thrives in dry places. It grows in Mexico, Central America and the southern parts of California. Damiana leaf has been used by the Mayan Indians and the natives of Mexico for its aphrodisiac properties.
Damiana :
-has sexual stimulating properties
-can strengthen the ovum
-helps balance hormones in females
-will improve sexual courage
-helps you overcome weakness and exhaustion
Damiana is considered one of the safest herbs for rejuvenating the sexual weakness.
Belladonna
Belladonna --Atropa belladonna, Solanaceae-- Belladonna is known a the "witch's plant," a sister of the mandrake.
Properties: hallucinogenic, increases desire. Fresh berries are eaten, leaves smoked. Overdose will lead to death via respiratory paralysis
The Greek Thessalian witches combine Belladonna root with wine to make powerful love drinks. The entire plant contains strong alkaloids. (active principles in plants) Opium and morphine contain alkaloids
Calamus --Araceae-stimulant, skin irritant, Oil is added to tea or bath, promotes erection. For sex stimulation high doses recommended-- An herbal bath with calamus increases erotic desires.
Horsetail --Equisetum myriochaetum-- Central America-- contains mostly Silica, stimulates immune system, infusion made out of fresh stalks gives grate erections.
Kava-kava --Piper methysticu--Polynesia- invigoratour, increases performance, ritual drink The extract is made from the roots, and after fermentation, the composition changes -- having psychotropic and aphrodisiac qualities.
Lovage --Levisticum officinale-- stimulant, ingested as spice. The fresh roots are used to prepare a love drink that makes a woman melt!
Sassafras Tree --Sassafras Albidium-- North America- mild psychedelic, empathogen, love magic,oil ingested, root cortex used for brewing love drinks. Love tree of American Indians. Contains safrole, the basis of modern love drug MDMA. *Do not take more then 100mg of oil, or side effects may occur. Oil is suited for erotic massage as well.
Saw Palmetto --Serenoa serrulata-- North America - promotes circulation in the genitals, fruits eaten or fermented juice made into a love drink. Contain fatty acids, essential oil and estrogen substance.
Yarrow --Asteraceaea compositae - stimulant, tonic, love magic, additive for wine or tea. Used in geomancy, and to support vision quest. As aphrodisiac, chew the raw stem or drink tea few hours before intercourse.
Foods
Agave--Agavaceae-- Mexico-ritual inebriant. Fermented juice, or agave wine, called pulque, from the peduncle is used. Add few seeds of horn apple to increase effect. Tequila is distilled from Agave Tequilana. Other spices used to make schnapps called mescal.
Asparagus --Asparagus officinales-- diuretic, it stimulates activity of kidneys and is depurative. People who eat a lot of asparagus have also many lovers.
Cacao Tree --Theobroma cacao) Central America-mild stimulant, ground beans made into drink or chocolate bar. Ancient Indian recipe of chocolate: Roasted beans are ground and dissolved in water, along with vanilla, cayenne pepper, matico pepper, pimento, cinnamon, squash seeds. A cup of gold can be salty or sweetened with honey. Cocoa was considered the "food of gods"; Aztec prostitutes were paid in cocoa. Beans contain theobromine and caffeine, aphrodisiac phenylethylamine.
Celery --Apium graveolenns--stimulant, fresh root eaten, it strengthen the sex organs. Celery root contains an essential oil and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus.
Date Palm --Phoenix dactilifera--Asia, Arabia, North America- invigorate, inebriant, dates eaten, palm wine drunk. Add preparations of nightshade, hemp or opium for better results.
Durian Fruit has an intriguing reputation in Southeast Asia as having aphrodisiac properties. It is not clear whether this is attributed to some substance in the fruit pulp
Oyster Meat -- Oyster extract is excellent for men's reproductive health and endurance. It is a rich source for the amino acid taurine, which has a cardio-protective effect and also in nerve transmission. Historically known as an aphrodisiac, flavanoids in oyster meat have been shown to stimulate the reproductive system
Pimento --Pimenta dioica-- Central America, Caribbean- stimulant, one of the most common spices in ancient America and Indian folk medicine. It warms the body, Aphrodisiac, when taken in large quantities , especially with cocoa. Contains essential oils
Pineapple --Ananas cosmosus-- diuretic, invigoration! Has a great digestive effect, a purifying effect. Use fresh fruit juice. For aphrodisiac effects to work-- eat pineapple with chili powder or mixed with honey and rum. A small glass taken daily promotes energies of love.
Pomegranate tree --Punica granatum-- Mediterranean, Asia Minor- invigorator! The fruits are eaten-- the fruit is sacred to Aphrodite. The rinds are rich in tannins.
Sea Bean --Canavalia maritima-- South America, Africa- psychedelic, the beans have aphrodisiac qualities. They are ingested or smoked in the place of marijuana. In ancient America these beans were used in magic and rituals, they have been found in the prehistoric graves. The active substance is L-betonicine.
Squash --Curcubita pepo--America - diuretic, invigorator, seeds eaten and aphrodisiac for women. In Aurvedic and Tantric systems seeds eaten during rituals of love, and belong to vajicarana. Seeds contain fatty oil, protein and vitamin E that is important for healthy sexuality.
Sweet Potato --Ipomoea batatas--Sental and South America - invigorator! Excessive consumption stimulates the woman's sex drive.
Thorn Apple --Datura species, Solanaceae-- strong psychodelic, very erotic, plant of prophesy and witches plant. Leaves or flowers brewed into tea, seeds eaten, herbage smoked. All species and all parts contain highly active tropane alkaloids.
Wild Lettuce --Lactuca virosa--Europe, North America -narcotic, dried sap smoked for ritual purposes and as a sexual stimulant. Contains an alkaloid lactusine which has qualities that are similar to morphine.
Basil --Ocimum sanctum-- South Asia, Europe - used as spices, medical uses Eat one leaf a day to: maintain health, prosperity, and fertility. Basil gives for an exciting sex life. The popular spice basil (Ocimum basilicum) also possess aphrodisiac powers. Contain essential oil, tannins and vitamins.
Cardamom is a sensual spice considered to have aphrodisiac properties. With a peculiar nature; it cools the body when it is hot, and warms it when it is cold. Cleopatra uses to take baths in cardamom.
Cardamom - Elettaria cardamomum --Southeast Asia - It is a stimulant especially if added to coffee. Its essential oil has an erotic effect.
Cayenne Pepper Capsicum Annuum, Solanaceae-- Middle and South America - stimulant, irritant, fresh or dried fruits eaten. It heats the sexual drive. It has irritating effects on membranes and urogenital area. Contains acrid substance capsicum and a lot of vitamin C. Avoid over dosage.
Cayenne Cayenne is also known as capsicum and plays a very large role in blood circulation. When cayenne is ingested, it dilates blood vessels. This allows increased blood flow throughout the body, especially in the major organs. The male penis benefits greatly from the ingestion of cayenne. It is a widely held belief that cayenne aids in longer lasting erections, with stronger ejaculations and more intense orgasms. For Men!
Sensual Love
Exciting venereal desire, provocative...
Substances used to increase sexual desire...
Drug or food that arouses sexual pleasure
Stories from past history have told us of various strange sources in which people found plants, spices, animal parts, potions, and foods to contain sexual stimulants.
window.google_render_ad();
Many plants and herbs have been found to be toxic, similar to marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Many aphrodisiacs have strong psychedelic effects, and are used in magic rituals to establish contacts with gods, spirits, ancestors, past and future, during shamanic healing sessions, for prophecy, and to heal many diseases.
Controversies have voiced their opinions: the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), medical doctors, health experts among others.
Some doctor's say that no such thing exists, that the only thing you need is a good diet and exercise..I can tell you that these doctor's have never personally experimented with nature.
-Some say Aphrodisiacs do not work, as others disagree-
Trial and error though, has given us the biggest clues to those substances that may truly affect certain parts of the human anatomy. Those managed by the American Indians, South American tribes, and people from the Orient to name a few.
I do not believe that the answer simply lies as a 'they don't work' or 'they do work.' If a substance has been used over and over, and has been repetitiously experimented with, there should be some questions baring curiosity maybe it's worth looking in to. It's true that some things affect men, while others directly affect women. But if we aim to remain open to all possibilities, maybe then we could discover the right recipe for ourselves personally. Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre!
-Origins of the Aphrodisiac-
Aphrodite was the Greek Goddess of Love. She was the 'Venus' of the Romans. Aphrodisiac was given its name through the love of Aphrodite. Aphrodisiacs are sought because of believing that they could enhance the greatest earthly pleasure that they have been given: Sex.
Man is lead by the hair of a drive that is stronger than he is.
The aphrodisiac's purpose is to enhance sexual urges & desire, (libido) and the sexual drive. They have been used for thousands of years... any chance the whole idea could be just the imagination? I think not. Many drugs are plant based. Nature is always full of surprises, and will always outlive any man-made substance. Without plants many man-made drugs would have never been imagined alone.
Aphrodisiac Plants Have Been Used for Ages:
-to help infertility and sterility
-for purposes of seduction
-to improve potency
-to spice up your sex life
The strongest aphrodisiacs are poisonous and overdoses can lead to death. Use psychotropic aphrodisiacs with caution. Herbs are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. Elements from the plant world, minerals, and those from the animal kingdom have incredible arousing effects on both men and women.
Herbs
Many Herbs Can Enhance Sexual Desire.....
Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex.
Damiana
Damiana definitely increases the sharpness of a female orgasm...there are two species of Damiana used in herbal healing and referred to as Damiana: Turnera aphrodisiaca and Turnera diffusa. It is known in Latin as "Tumera aphrodisiac."
Damiana resembles a small shrub that grows on rocky hills with plenty of exposure to the sun. It has aromatic leaves and thrives in dry places. It grows in Mexico, Central America and the southern parts of California. Damiana leaf has been used by the Mayan Indians and the natives of Mexico for its aphrodisiac properties.
Damiana :
-has sexual stimulating properties
-can strengthen the ovum
-helps balance hormones in females
-will improve sexual courage
-helps you overcome weakness and exhaustion
Damiana is considered one of the safest herbs for rejuvenating the sexual weakness.
Belladonna
Belladonna --Atropa belladonna, Solanaceae-- Belladonna is known a the "witch's plant," a sister of the mandrake.
Properties: hallucinogenic, increases desire. Fresh berries are eaten, leaves smoked. Overdose will lead to death via respiratory paralysis
The Greek Thessalian witches combine Belladonna root with wine to make powerful love drinks. The entire plant contains strong alkaloids. (active principles in plants) Opium and morphine contain alkaloids
Calamus --Araceae-stimulant, skin irritant, Oil is added to tea or bath, promotes erection. For sex stimulation high doses recommended-- An herbal bath with calamus increases erotic desires.
Horsetail --Equisetum myriochaetum-- Central America-- contains mostly Silica, stimulates immune system, infusion made out of fresh stalks gives grate erections.
Kava-kava --Piper methysticu--Polynesia- invigoratour, increases performance, ritual drink The extract is made from the roots, and after fermentation, the composition changes -- having psychotropic and aphrodisiac qualities.
Lovage --Levisticum officinale-- stimulant, ingested as spice. The fresh roots are used to prepare a love drink that makes a woman melt!
Sassafras Tree --Sassafras Albidium-- North America- mild psychedelic, empathogen, love magic,oil ingested, root cortex used for brewing love drinks. Love tree of American Indians. Contains safrole, the basis of modern love drug MDMA. *Do not take more then 100mg of oil, or side effects may occur. Oil is suited for erotic massage as well.
Saw Palmetto --Serenoa serrulata-- North America - promotes circulation in the genitals, fruits eaten or fermented juice made into a love drink. Contain fatty acids, essential oil and estrogen substance.
Yarrow --Asteraceaea compositae - stimulant, tonic, love magic, additive for wine or tea. Used in geomancy, and to support vision quest. As aphrodisiac, chew the raw stem or drink tea few hours before intercourse.
Foods
Agave--Agavaceae-- Mexico-ritual inebriant. Fermented juice, or agave wine, called pulque, from the peduncle is used. Add few seeds of horn apple to increase effect. Tequila is distilled from Agave Tequilana. Other spices used to make schnapps called mescal.
Asparagus --Asparagus officinales-- diuretic, it stimulates activity of kidneys and is depurative. People who eat a lot of asparagus have also many lovers.
Cacao Tree --Theobroma cacao) Central America-mild stimulant, ground beans made into drink or chocolate bar. Ancient Indian recipe of chocolate: Roasted beans are ground and dissolved in water, along with vanilla, cayenne pepper, matico pepper, pimento, cinnamon, squash seeds. A cup of gold can be salty or sweetened with honey. Cocoa was considered the "food of gods"; Aztec prostitutes were paid in cocoa. Beans contain theobromine and caffeine, aphrodisiac phenylethylamine.
Celery --Apium graveolenns--stimulant, fresh root eaten, it strengthen the sex organs. Celery root contains an essential oil and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus.
Date Palm --Phoenix dactilifera--Asia, Arabia, North America- invigorate, inebriant, dates eaten, palm wine drunk. Add preparations of nightshade, hemp or opium for better results.
Durian Fruit has an intriguing reputation in Southeast Asia as having aphrodisiac properties. It is not clear whether this is attributed to some substance in the fruit pulp
Oyster Meat -- Oyster extract is excellent for men's reproductive health and endurance. It is a rich source for the amino acid taurine, which has a cardio-protective effect and also in nerve transmission. Historically known as an aphrodisiac, flavanoids in oyster meat have been shown to stimulate the reproductive system
Pimento --Pimenta dioica-- Central America, Caribbean- stimulant, one of the most common spices in ancient America and Indian folk medicine. It warms the body, Aphrodisiac, when taken in large quantities , especially with cocoa. Contains essential oils
Pineapple --Ananas cosmosus-- diuretic, invigoration! Has a great digestive effect, a purifying effect. Use fresh fruit juice. For aphrodisiac effects to work-- eat pineapple with chili powder or mixed with honey and rum. A small glass taken daily promotes energies of love.
Pomegranate tree --Punica granatum-- Mediterranean, Asia Minor- invigorator! The fruits are eaten-- the fruit is sacred to Aphrodite. The rinds are rich in tannins.
Sea Bean --Canavalia maritima-- South America, Africa- psychedelic, the beans have aphrodisiac qualities. They are ingested or smoked in the place of marijuana. In ancient America these beans were used in magic and rituals, they have been found in the prehistoric graves. The active substance is L-betonicine.
Squash --Curcubita pepo--America - diuretic, invigorator, seeds eaten and aphrodisiac for women. In Aurvedic and Tantric systems seeds eaten during rituals of love, and belong to vajicarana. Seeds contain fatty oil, protein and vitamin E that is important for healthy sexuality.
Sweet Potato --Ipomoea batatas--Sental and South America - invigorator! Excessive consumption stimulates the woman's sex drive.
Thorn Apple --Datura species, Solanaceae-- strong psychodelic, very erotic, plant of prophesy and witches plant. Leaves or flowers brewed into tea, seeds eaten, herbage smoked. All species and all parts contain highly active tropane alkaloids.
Wild Lettuce --Lactuca virosa--Europe, North America -narcotic, dried sap smoked for ritual purposes and as a sexual stimulant. Contains an alkaloid lactusine which has qualities that are similar to morphine.
Basil --Ocimum sanctum-- South Asia, Europe - used as spices, medical uses Eat one leaf a day to: maintain health, prosperity, and fertility. Basil gives for an exciting sex life. The popular spice basil (Ocimum basilicum) also possess aphrodisiac powers. Contain essential oil, tannins and vitamins.
Cardamom is a sensual spice considered to have aphrodisiac properties. With a peculiar nature; it cools the body when it is hot, and warms it when it is cold. Cleopatra uses to take baths in cardamom.
Cardamom - Elettaria cardamomum --Southeast Asia - It is a stimulant especially if added to coffee. Its essential oil has an erotic effect.
Cayenne Pepper Capsicum Annuum, Solanaceae-- Middle and South America - stimulant, irritant, fresh or dried fruits eaten. It heats the sexual drive. It has irritating effects on membranes and urogenital area. Contains acrid substance capsicum and a lot of vitamin C. Avoid over dosage.
Cayenne Cayenne is also known as capsicum and plays a very large role in blood circulation. When cayenne is ingested, it dilates blood vessels. This allows increased blood flow throughout the body, especially in the major organs. The male penis benefits greatly from the ingestion of cayenne. It is a widely held belief that cayenne aids in longer lasting erections, with stronger ejaculations and more intense orgasms. For Men!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Aphrodisiac Foods and Herbs
Aphrodisiac foods and herbs
Some natural items purported to be aphrodisiacs when ingested or applied to the body.
1. Ambergris (Ambra grisea, Ambre gris, ambergrease, or grey amber) is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull gray or blackish color produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.Ambergris has a peculiar sweet, earthy odor. The principal historical use of ambergris was as a fixative in perfumery, though it has now been largely displaced by synthetics.
2. Eruca sativa (syn. E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.), also known as arugula or rocket, is an edible plant. It is a species of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal east to Jordan and Turkey. It is closely related to Eruca vesicaria and included by some botanists in that either as a subspecies E. vesicaria subsp. sativa or not distinguished at all; it can be distinguished from E. vesicaria by its early deciduous sepals.
3. Atta laevigata is one of about a dozen species of leafcutter ants in the genus Atta, found from Colombia south to Paraguay . This species is one of the largest leafcutter species, and can be recognized by the smooth and shining head of the largest workers in a colony. Atta laevigata is known in northern South America as hormiga culona (roughly translated as "large-bottomed ant) or as bachaco.
4. A balut (Trứng vịt lộn or Hột vịt lộn in Vietnamese, Pong tea khon in Cambodian) is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. They are common, everyday food in some countries in Southeast Asia , such as in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available.
5. Borojoa patinoi, commonly known as Borojó, is a mid sized (3 to 5m) Tropical forest tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It grows in the northwest area of Colombia in the Chocó Department, in areas of high humidity (over 85%) and an average temperature of 28°C, both in the wild and on local farms.
6. Chocolate (pronounced /ˈtʃɒklət/ (help·info) or /-ˈələt/) comprises a number of raw and processed foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical cacao tree. Native to lowland, tropical South America, cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Central America and Mexico, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Mesoamerican peoples made chocolate beverages, including the Maya and Aztecs, who made it into a beverage known as xocolātl, a Nahuatl word meaning "bitter water". The seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavor. After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground and liquified, resulting in pure chocolate in fluid form: chocolate liquor. The liquor can be further processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
7. Damiana (Turnera diffusa, syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the family Turneraceae.Damiana is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like chamomile, due to an oil present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its aphrodisiac effects. Spanish missonaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for its ability to enhance lovema
8.Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba; in Chinese 銀杏, pinyin romanization, yín xìng), frequently misspelled as "Gingko", and also known as the Maidenhair Tree after Adiantum, is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. The ginkgo is classified in its own division, the Ginkgophyta, comprising the single class Ginkgoopsida, order Ginkgoales, family Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo and is the only extant species within this group. It is one of the best-known examples of a living fossil, because Ginkgoales are not known from the fossil record after the Pliocene.king.
9. Ginseng refers to species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. They grow in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (mostly northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia), typically in cooler climates; Panax vietnamensis, discovered in Vietnam, is the southernmost ginseng found. This article focuses on the Series Panax ginsengs, which are the adaptogenic herbs, principally Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius. Ginseng is characterized by the presence of ginsenosides.
10. Kelp are large seaweeds (algae), belonging to the brown algae and classified in the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera. Some species grow very long indeed, and form kelp forests.Despite their plant-like appearance, some scientists group them not with the terrestrial plants (kingdom Plantae), but instead place them either in kingdom Protista or in kingdom Chromista.
11. Onion is a term used for many plants in the genus Allium. They are known by the common name "onion" but, used without qualifiers, it usually refers to Allium cepa. Allium cepa is also known as the 'garden onion' or 'bulb' onion and 'shallot'.
12. Oyster is used for a number of different groups of bivalve mollusks, most of which live in marine habitats or brackish water. The shell consists of two usually highly calcified valves which surround a soft body. Gills filter plankton from the water, and strong adductor muscles are used to hold the shell closed.
13. The Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50–80 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8–15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke". These are inedible in older larger flowers.
14. Asparagus officinalis is a flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus from which the vegetable known as asparagus is obtained. It is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. It is now also widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.
15. Strawberry.Garden strawberries are a common variety of strawberry cultivated worldwide. Like other species of Fragaria (strawberries), it belongs to the family Rosaceae. Technically it is not a fruit but a false fruit, meaning the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries (achenes) but from the peg at the bottom of the bowl-shaped hypanthium that holds the ovaries.The Garden Strawberry was first bred in Europe in the early 18th century. This represents the accidental cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America, which was noted for its flavor, and Fragaria chiloensis from Chile, which was noted for its large size.Cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa have replaced in commercial production the Woodland Strawberry, which was the first strawberry species cultivated in the early 17th century.
16. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, syn. Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a herbaceous, usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, as are its close cousins tobacco, chili peppers, and eggplant. It is a perennial, often grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual, typically reaching to 1-3m (3 to 10 ft) in height, with a weak, woody stem that often vines over other plants.
17.Mussel is used for members of several different families of clams or bivalve molluscs, from both saltwater and freshwater habitats. The one thing that these different groups have in common, is that they have a shell whose outline is somewhat elongated and asymmetrical compared with that of many other edible clams, the shells of which are often more or less rounded or oval in shape.
18. The mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) is a species of tree that is native to southern Mexico. Today, the tree is cultivated not only in Mexico, but also in Central America, the Caribbean, and South Florida for its melon, which is commonly eaten in many Latin American countries. Mamey sapote is a large and highly ornamental evergreen tree that can reach a height of 15 to 45 meters (60 to 140 feet) at maturity. Like most fruit trees, it is mainly propagated by grafting, which ensures that the new plant has the same characteristics as the parent, especially its fruit. It is also considerably faster than growing trees by seed. The melon is about 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 inches) long and 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 inches) wide and has orange flesh.
Some natural items purported to be aphrodisiacs when ingested or applied to the body.
1. Ambergris (Ambra grisea, Ambre gris, ambergrease, or grey amber) is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull gray or blackish color produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.Ambergris has a peculiar sweet, earthy odor. The principal historical use of ambergris was as a fixative in perfumery, though it has now been largely displaced by synthetics.
2. Eruca sativa (syn. E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.), also known as arugula or rocket, is an edible plant. It is a species of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal east to Jordan and Turkey. It is closely related to Eruca vesicaria and included by some botanists in that either as a subspecies E. vesicaria subsp. sativa or not distinguished at all; it can be distinguished from E. vesicaria by its early deciduous sepals.
3. Atta laevigata is one of about a dozen species of leafcutter ants in the genus Atta, found from Colombia south to Paraguay . This species is one of the largest leafcutter species, and can be recognized by the smooth and shining head of the largest workers in a colony. Atta laevigata is known in northern South America as hormiga culona (roughly translated as "large-bottomed ant) or as bachaco.
4. A balut (Trứng vịt lộn or Hột vịt lộn in Vietnamese, Pong tea khon in Cambodian) is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. They are common, everyday food in some countries in Southeast Asia , such as in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available.
5. Borojoa patinoi, commonly known as Borojó, is a mid sized (3 to 5m) Tropical forest tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It grows in the northwest area of Colombia in the Chocó Department, in areas of high humidity (over 85%) and an average temperature of 28°C, both in the wild and on local farms.
6. Chocolate (pronounced /ˈtʃɒklət/ (help·info) or /-ˈələt/) comprises a number of raw and processed foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical cacao tree. Native to lowland, tropical South America, cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Central America and Mexico, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Mesoamerican peoples made chocolate beverages, including the Maya and Aztecs, who made it into a beverage known as xocolātl, a Nahuatl word meaning "bitter water". The seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavor. After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground and liquified, resulting in pure chocolate in fluid form: chocolate liquor. The liquor can be further processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
7. Damiana (Turnera diffusa, syn. Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the family Turneraceae.Damiana is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like chamomile, due to an oil present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its aphrodisiac effects. Spanish missonaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for its ability to enhance lovema
8.Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba; in Chinese 銀杏, pinyin romanization, yín xìng), frequently misspelled as "Gingko", and also known as the Maidenhair Tree after Adiantum, is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. The ginkgo is classified in its own division, the Ginkgophyta, comprising the single class Ginkgoopsida, order Ginkgoales, family Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo and is the only extant species within this group. It is one of the best-known examples of a living fossil, because Ginkgoales are not known from the fossil record after the Pliocene.king.
9. Ginseng refers to species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. They grow in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia (mostly northern China, Korea, and eastern Siberia), typically in cooler climates; Panax vietnamensis, discovered in Vietnam, is the southernmost ginseng found. This article focuses on the Series Panax ginsengs, which are the adaptogenic herbs, principally Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius. Ginseng is characterized by the presence of ginsenosides.
10. Kelp are large seaweeds (algae), belonging to the brown algae and classified in the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera. Some species grow very long indeed, and form kelp forests.Despite their plant-like appearance, some scientists group them not with the terrestrial plants (kingdom Plantae), but instead place them either in kingdom Protista or in kingdom Chromista.
11. Onion is a term used for many plants in the genus Allium. They are known by the common name "onion" but, used without qualifiers, it usually refers to Allium cepa. Allium cepa is also known as the 'garden onion' or 'bulb' onion and 'shallot'.
12. Oyster is used for a number of different groups of bivalve mollusks, most of which live in marine habitats or brackish water. The shell consists of two usually highly calcified valves which surround a soft body. Gills filter plankton from the water, and strong adductor muscles are used to hold the shell closed.
13. The Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50–80 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8–15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke". These are inedible in older larger flowers.
14. Asparagus officinalis is a flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus from which the vegetable known as asparagus is obtained. It is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. It is now also widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.
15. Strawberry.Garden strawberries are a common variety of strawberry cultivated worldwide. Like other species of Fragaria (strawberries), it belongs to the family Rosaceae. Technically it is not a fruit but a false fruit, meaning the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries (achenes) but from the peg at the bottom of the bowl-shaped hypanthium that holds the ovaries.The Garden Strawberry was first bred in Europe in the early 18th century. This represents the accidental cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America, which was noted for its flavor, and Fragaria chiloensis from Chile, which was noted for its large size.Cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa have replaced in commercial production the Woodland Strawberry, which was the first strawberry species cultivated in the early 17th century.
16. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, syn. Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a herbaceous, usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, as are its close cousins tobacco, chili peppers, and eggplant. It is a perennial, often grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual, typically reaching to 1-3m (3 to 10 ft) in height, with a weak, woody stem that often vines over other plants.
17.Mussel is used for members of several different families of clams or bivalve molluscs, from both saltwater and freshwater habitats. The one thing that these different groups have in common, is that they have a shell whose outline is somewhat elongated and asymmetrical compared with that of many other edible clams, the shells of which are often more or less rounded or oval in shape.
18. The mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) is a species of tree that is native to southern Mexico. Today, the tree is cultivated not only in Mexico, but also in Central America, the Caribbean, and South Florida for its melon, which is commonly eaten in many Latin American countries. Mamey sapote is a large and highly ornamental evergreen tree that can reach a height of 15 to 45 meters (60 to 140 feet) at maturity. Like most fruit trees, it is mainly propagated by grafting, which ensures that the new plant has the same characteristics as the parent, especially its fruit. It is also considerably faster than growing trees by seed. The melon is about 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 inches) long and 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 inches) wide and has orange flesh.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Foods of Love-Food as Aphrodisiacs
Love FoodsHistory is rife with the human pursuit of aphrodisiacs in many forms. Scientific tests have proven that some aromas can cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of foods. Here are some common foods of love used through the ages.
• Alcohol: lowers inhibitions and increases confidence; however, over-indulgence has a sedative effect not conducive to a romantic tryst.
• Asparagus: three courses of asparagus were served to 19th century bridegrooms due to its reputed aphrodisiacal powers.
• Banana: due not only to its shape, but also its creamy, lush texture, some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance.
• Caviar: is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.
• Champagne: viewed as the "drink of love," moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.
• Chocolate: contains both a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. It was actually banned from some monasteries centuries ago.
• Figs: seasonal crops were celebrated by ancient Greeks in a frenzied copulation ritual.• Ginseng: increases desire for physical contact.• Perfumes: made of natural foodstuffs such as almond, vanilla, and other herbs and spices act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by smell.
• Puffer Fish: considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac in Japan. If the poisonous gland is not properly removed, the tiniest taste is deadly. The flirt with death is said to give a sexual thrill. Not recommended.
• Oysters: Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back, giving rise to claims that the oyster lets one experience the the masculine and feminine sides of love.• Radish: considered a divine aphrodisiac by Egyptian pharoahs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate.
• Truffles: probably due to its rarity and musky aroma, it has long been considered to arouse the palate and the body. To sustain his masulinity, an ancient lover in lore was said to have gorged himself to death on Alba truffles during the wedding feast.
• Alcohol: lowers inhibitions and increases confidence; however, over-indulgence has a sedative effect not conducive to a romantic tryst.
• Asparagus: three courses of asparagus were served to 19th century bridegrooms due to its reputed aphrodisiacal powers.
• Banana: due not only to its shape, but also its creamy, lush texture, some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance.
• Caviar: is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.
• Champagne: viewed as the "drink of love," moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.
• Chocolate: contains both a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. It was actually banned from some monasteries centuries ago.
• Figs: seasonal crops were celebrated by ancient Greeks in a frenzied copulation ritual.• Ginseng: increases desire for physical contact.• Perfumes: made of natural foodstuffs such as almond, vanilla, and other herbs and spices act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by smell.
• Puffer Fish: considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac in Japan. If the poisonous gland is not properly removed, the tiniest taste is deadly. The flirt with death is said to give a sexual thrill. Not recommended.
• Oysters: Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back, giving rise to claims that the oyster lets one experience the the masculine and feminine sides of love.• Radish: considered a divine aphrodisiac by Egyptian pharoahs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate.
• Truffles: probably due to its rarity and musky aroma, it has long been considered to arouse the palate and the body. To sustain his masulinity, an ancient lover in lore was said to have gorged himself to death on Alba truffles during the wedding feast.
Friday, November 14, 2008
"Foods for Lovers"
Love Foods
The word alone conjures up images of strange, exotic images meant to wield power over unsuspecting souls. Throughout history, lovers have depended on love potions enhanced with charms of enchantment for those hearts stubborn to Cupid's arrow. Sometimes that meant a secret ingredient. Slipped into a goblet of wine; other times an elaborate concoction gulped down for stamina.
The qualifying factors for aphrodisiacs were relatively simple: the rarer the ingredients, the more likely it held aphrodisiacal qualities. Coincidentally, many foods long considered aphrodisiacs are low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals. A diet heavy in these foods, then, yields a healthy body with energy and blood flow, and nutrients needed for a peak sexual experience. So, maybe there are scientific reasons for all this, but explanation or not, anyone who has fed a lover a grape, knows aphrodisiacs exist. Anyone who has served an elaborate candle lit meal, painstakingly prepared with love, knows the potential food has over our emotions.
For your Intimate dinner you may want include some of these foods and see what kind of a reaction you get.
Artichokes...Asparagus...Avocado...Basil...Black
Beans...Chocolate...Chilies...Coffee...Figs...Grapes...Honey...Oysters
Pine nuts...Rosemary...Strawberries...
But what is the historical significance that certify some of these foods as true aphrodisiacs or “ Love Foods”?
Chocolate;
The potency of chocolate was first discovered by the Mayan and Aztec Indians in their celebration of the harvest of the cocoa bean with festivals of orgies. Montezuma, the Aztec ruler supposedly drank 50 cups of chocolate each day to satisfy his harem of 600 women. Casanova adored chocolate, and so do we. Sales in the 1990¹s average 600,000 tons of cocoa consumed each year. Chocolate has sparked the attention of scientists as well. This decadent candy contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which is the very same chemical that flows through the vein of someone who is in love. Why tamper with this ancient love potion?
Figs:
A small, pear-shaped delicacy, a ripe fig tastes sweeter than any dried one, a fresh plump fig smells better than any syrupy canned version. A knife slices through it like butter, the edible seeds are endless through eachlayer filed with succulent flavor. Figs date back to Cleopatra, Dionysian orgies, and the Roman Saturnalia. This innocent natural sensuality can work wonders prepared various ways.
Oysters:
The greatest of all aphrodisiacs, oysters symbolize vitality and passion forall those who indulge. Since the time of the Roman Empire oysters have enjoyed a randy reputation, which has only increased over time. What is it about oysters? Casanova is said to have been a firm believer in oysters, eating 50 raw ones every morning in the bath with the lady he fancied at that moment. Oysters have unleashed their powers of seduction on unwitting prey and restores life to lagging libidos. Why do oysters have such an effect on people? Oysters are loaded with zinc, a key ingredient to testosterone production, and therefore sexual performance for both genders. Or is it the texture that resembles parts of the anatomy that are touched in the act of love.
Pine Nuts:
Pine nuts, also called Pignolis, come from the inside the cones of the pine trees. Galen, a 2nd century doctor, prescribed them to his patients for their reported powers. Today, people hail the pine nut as the kernel of love.
Rosemary:
The scent of rosemary fills a room, and entices the sense of smell.
Medieval women scented bath water with rosemary to allure men. Apparently, rosemary plays on humans scent memory the strongest tie to emotional experiences. If executed properly, a Pavlovian call to love might occur from simply a whiff of this potent herb.
Honey:
From the Kama Sutra to the Perfumed Garden to the Bible, honey has been connected with love, sex and sensuality since the beginning of time. Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigor. In India, tradition states that an offering of honey be presented to the bridegroom and hide out in seclusion drinking the honey potion until the first new moon of their
marriage. Attila the Hun drank himself to death with honey on his honeymoon. The very word conjures up images of the dripping, sticky substance, of honeybees, and all things sweet.
Here is an example of an intimate way to use the love food, chocolate.
Chocolate Fondue
with Fresh Fruits for Two
Edward and Susanna Tolini Executive Chefs, Le Bocage
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tsp. Grand Marnier
Method:
In a heavy duty sauce pan, bring the heavy crème to a boil. Remove from the
stove and stir in the chocolate until completely incorporated. Add the Grand
Marnier
Serve in a fondue pot with assorted fruits cut into bite sized pieces.
Fruits can include, but are not limited to:
Kiwi, peeled and sliced
Strawberries
Raspberries
Bananas, cut into 1/2² slices
Pineapple
Dried Apricots
Granny Smith apples, sliced
Filet of Orange
The word alone conjures up images of strange, exotic images meant to wield power over unsuspecting souls. Throughout history, lovers have depended on love potions enhanced with charms of enchantment for those hearts stubborn to Cupid's arrow. Sometimes that meant a secret ingredient. Slipped into a goblet of wine; other times an elaborate concoction gulped down for stamina.
The qualifying factors for aphrodisiacs were relatively simple: the rarer the ingredients, the more likely it held aphrodisiacal qualities. Coincidentally, many foods long considered aphrodisiacs are low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals. A diet heavy in these foods, then, yields a healthy body with energy and blood flow, and nutrients needed for a peak sexual experience. So, maybe there are scientific reasons for all this, but explanation or not, anyone who has fed a lover a grape, knows aphrodisiacs exist. Anyone who has served an elaborate candle lit meal, painstakingly prepared with love, knows the potential food has over our emotions.
For your Intimate dinner you may want include some of these foods and see what kind of a reaction you get.
Artichokes...Asparagus...Avocado...Basil...Black
Beans...Chocolate...Chilies...Coffee...Figs...Grapes...Honey...Oysters
Pine nuts...Rosemary...Strawberries...
But what is the historical significance that certify some of these foods as true aphrodisiacs or “ Love Foods”?
Chocolate;
The potency of chocolate was first discovered by the Mayan and Aztec Indians in their celebration of the harvest of the cocoa bean with festivals of orgies. Montezuma, the Aztec ruler supposedly drank 50 cups of chocolate each day to satisfy his harem of 600 women. Casanova adored chocolate, and so do we. Sales in the 1990¹s average 600,000 tons of cocoa consumed each year. Chocolate has sparked the attention of scientists as well. This decadent candy contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which is the very same chemical that flows through the vein of someone who is in love. Why tamper with this ancient love potion?
Figs:
A small, pear-shaped delicacy, a ripe fig tastes sweeter than any dried one, a fresh plump fig smells better than any syrupy canned version. A knife slices through it like butter, the edible seeds are endless through eachlayer filed with succulent flavor. Figs date back to Cleopatra, Dionysian orgies, and the Roman Saturnalia. This innocent natural sensuality can work wonders prepared various ways.
Oysters:
The greatest of all aphrodisiacs, oysters symbolize vitality and passion forall those who indulge. Since the time of the Roman Empire oysters have enjoyed a randy reputation, which has only increased over time. What is it about oysters? Casanova is said to have been a firm believer in oysters, eating 50 raw ones every morning in the bath with the lady he fancied at that moment. Oysters have unleashed their powers of seduction on unwitting prey and restores life to lagging libidos. Why do oysters have such an effect on people? Oysters are loaded with zinc, a key ingredient to testosterone production, and therefore sexual performance for both genders. Or is it the texture that resembles parts of the anatomy that are touched in the act of love.
Pine Nuts:
Pine nuts, also called Pignolis, come from the inside the cones of the pine trees. Galen, a 2nd century doctor, prescribed them to his patients for their reported powers. Today, people hail the pine nut as the kernel of love.
Rosemary:
The scent of rosemary fills a room, and entices the sense of smell.
Medieval women scented bath water with rosemary to allure men. Apparently, rosemary plays on humans scent memory the strongest tie to emotional experiences. If executed properly, a Pavlovian call to love might occur from simply a whiff of this potent herb.
Honey:
From the Kama Sutra to the Perfumed Garden to the Bible, honey has been connected with love, sex and sensuality since the beginning of time. Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigor. In India, tradition states that an offering of honey be presented to the bridegroom and hide out in seclusion drinking the honey potion until the first new moon of their
marriage. Attila the Hun drank himself to death with honey on his honeymoon. The very word conjures up images of the dripping, sticky substance, of honeybees, and all things sweet.
Here is an example of an intimate way to use the love food, chocolate.
Chocolate Fondue
with Fresh Fruits for Two
Edward and Susanna Tolini Executive Chefs, Le Bocage
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tsp. Grand Marnier
Method:
In a heavy duty sauce pan, bring the heavy crème to a boil. Remove from the
stove and stir in the chocolate until completely incorporated. Add the Grand
Marnier
Serve in a fondue pot with assorted fruits cut into bite sized pieces.
Fruits can include, but are not limited to:
Kiwi, peeled and sliced
Strawberries
Raspberries
Bananas, cut into 1/2² slices
Pineapple
Dried Apricots
Granny Smith apples, sliced
Filet of Orange
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