January 29
Food: the language of love
[mashshare]With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Chef Tom has been receiving an influx of enquiries from less culinary-minded friends as to how to impress their significant other with a romantic meal.
Much has been said over the years about food being the language of love. From “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” to “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate”, it certainly seems to provide a universal way to say you care.
In “The Five Love Languages”, the Number 1 New York Times Bestseller for 8 years running, Dr Gary Chapman identifies five love languages (ways to show someone you love them) as Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.
So whilst it might not have been officially recognised as a love language (yet!), in many ways, food becomes a sixth language by default:
Quality Time
Eating together provides the perfect way for couples to learn more about each other and deepen their relationship.
Receiving Gifts
The food industry cashed in a long time ago on the fact people like to both give and receive gifts of food to demonstrate their love; from boxes of chocolates to speciality hampers.
Words of Affirmation
“This is incredible!”, “Oh My God that’s good” or even just an “hmmmmmm”, it’s near on impossible for a couple to enjoy a good meal without using positive affirmations!
Acts of Service
Preparing a meal for someone else, shows you have put time and effort into creating something to provide for them and make them happy.
Physical Touch
Whether it’s the aphrodisiac properties of certain foods or the way sharing food together can add intimacy to a relationship, enjoying food is often depicted on stage and screen with elements of erotica.
So in short, when it comes to showing someone you care over Valentine’s Day, make sure food is involved!
Below are 10 ingredients that #ChefTomSays are worth incorporating for a Valentines meal to remember 😉
Oysters
“Long suspected as a love drug, Oysters improves dopamine levels which boosts libido in men and women.”
Chocolate
“Cacao contains a chemical known as phenylethlamine, that stimulates the sense of excitement and wellbeing.”
Asparagus
“Asparagus is high in a B vitamin known as folate that aids in increasing the production of histamine (which is important for a healthy sex drive in men and women).”
Basil
“The scent of basil has long been associated with arousal. Women actually used to rub basil powder and oil on their skin to attract men.”
Cinnamon
“Cinnamon oil has also been shown to improve cognitive function, so you can stay more focused on and attentive to your loved one.”
Pomegranate
“Pomegranate juice is a potent natural aphrodisiac due to its ability to increase testosterone levels.”
Vanilla
“In the 18th century, vanilla was prescribed doctors as a way to increase male potency.”
Celery
“Eating celery increases the pheromone levels in a man’s sweat, making them more attractive to women.”
Maca
“Known by many as Peru’s ‘natural Viagra’, this root has been known throughout Peru’s history as a sex-enhancing food prized by the Inca”.
Strawberries
“Strawberries are often linked with romance and there’s plenty of reasons why (starting with the fact they look like little bright red hearts!) Next to chocolate, they are also one of the most widely known aphrodisiacs (hence pairing them together is so common!).”