The foods of love

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to do some research into the different foods associated with love, so if you’re rustling up a meal for your loved-one this February 14, then you can add some of these to your menu.

Origin of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14.

It originated as a Christian feast day honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Foods to tuck into this Valentines

• Oysters – the perfect starter to a Valentine’s Day meal and they go wonderfully with a glass of chilled champagne too. Even better is the fact that this delicious seafood is a well-known aphrodisiac and packed full of zinc, which helps increase desire… 

• Chocolate – another classic aphrodisiac. It contains anandamide and PEA (phenylethylamine), which are feel-good chemicals that induce feelings of attraction and happiness. Cacao also contains tryptophan, which boosts serotonin levels to promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. 

• Almonds – regarded as fertility symbols throughout antiquity and, according to science, help provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and fibre. The nitric oxide within them helps increase blood flow, boost energy levels and increase nerve cell responses.

• Asparagus – English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote in the 14th century that asparagus ‘stirs up lust in man and woman.’ That aside, it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid. 

• Chillies – not something you would usually associate with love or Valentine’s Day, but a pinch of chilli pepper in your food can raise the body temperature and get the heart pumping, increase the blood flow, and stimulate nerve endings. It also helps to plump up the lips and to release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in our body.

Join us this Valentine’s Day

If you don’t fancy doing the cooking yourself, you can come and dine with us and tuck into our delicious Valentine’s Day menu.

Dinner costs £55 per head. Booking is essential and can be done by calling 01398 332248 or online here. A £5 per head non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.