Flavours of Love: 4 Historical Ingredients for Valentine´s Day

I’ve always believed that food has a unique way of communicating our feelings. Regarding love, ingredients can tell stories more powerful than words. Throughout history, many foods have nourished the body, evoked emotions, symbolized deep aspects of love, and played leading roles in rituals, traditions, and romantic gestures.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’m looking for new ideas for my next recipe, so I´ve been exploring some ingredients historically associated with love. And after some research, I’ve chosen four ingredients that, apart from being personal favourites, are perfect for creating a romantic dessert that I’ll soon share with you to gift to your loved ones.

Strawberries

With their deep red colour and heart-like shape, strawberries have been associated with passion and fertility since ancient times. During the Renaissance, strawberries were highly appreciated for their sweet taste and vibrant appearance, making them a symbol of beauty and desire. They were a popular gift in royal courts and among the nobility, and it was believed that gifting strawberries to someone was an act of affectionate love. Due to their juicy red shape, strawberries were associated with the lips and the heart, two symbols strongly linked to love and passion.

An interesting fact is that, during the 18th century, there was a practice known as floriography or the "language of flowers", where specific meanings were attributed to different flowers and plants. In this context, strawberries were seen as a symbol of fidelity and eternal love. This was due to their shape and colour, which evoked the idea of a passionate and enduring relationship that would never wither.

It’s no surprise that this symbol-laden fruit is a staple of romantic dinners. There’s nothing more tempting than biting into a juicy strawberry, its vibrant sweetness exploding in your mouth and evoking the very passion it represents. Today, strawberries are commonly enjoyed on their own, with cream, dipped in chocolate, in elaborate desserts, or even paired with a glass of champagne.

Roses

Roses are not only the most universal visual symbol of love but also culinary ingredients used in many cultures. From rose water in Middle Eastern cuisine to French desserts adorned with delicate petals, these flowers add a unique and romantic touch.

Cleopatra herself, renowned for her legendary romances, used to perfume her meals and wines with rose water. Not just to display luxury, but because she believed the aroma of roses ignited passion and enhanced the sensory experience of those who shared her table.

Also, In the Roman myth, Venus, the goddess of love, falls in love with Adonis, a young mortal. When he dies after being wounded by a wild boar, Venus mourns deeply. From her tears and Adonis' blood, red roses are born, symbolizing passion, love, and the tragedy of their relationship.

This romantic and sensory use of roses in food persists to this day, especially in desserts like Lokum (Turkish delight) or kulfi (Indian ice cream), where rose water remains an essential ingredient.

Violets

In addition to symbolizing fidelity, violets are also emblems of humility and modesty. In Ancient Greece, these flowers were used in crowns during celebrations and rituals related to love. During the Victorian era, gifting violets was a romantic gesture that conveyed a message of sincere love.

Even today, in places like Japan, giving violets is a sign of deep appreciation and respect, especially among close friends and family.

In gastronomy, violets are a delicate and versatile treasure. They are used in candies and crystallized petals, syrups and liqueurs, infusions and teas, as well as in dessert decorations, cocktails, or salads. Their floral and sweet flavour is like a whisper that elevates any preparation.

Chocolate

The relationship between romance and chocolate is not new, as cacao has been significant in the society of Mesopotamia. This ingredient was key in rituals related to fertility and love. Cacao, often combined with other spices, was consumed as a sacred drink in spiritual and union ceremonies.

During the Victorian era, gifting chocolates became a sophisticated way to express love. The chocolatier Cadbury introduced heart-shaped chocolate boxes in 1861 as a Valentine’s Day marketing strategy. These boxes served a dual purpose: they were used to store letters and keepsakes from loved ones.

Today, its association with happiness and endorphins makes it an indispensable part of any romantic celebration.

What Does Science Say?

The connection between certain foods and love is not just symbolic but also chemical. Ingredients like chocolate contain compounds that stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins, linked to feelings of happiness. Other foods, like strawberries and nuts, are associated with increased energy and overall well-being, reinforcing their reputation as love ingredients.

So With these key ingredients, I’m going to create the perfect dessert for you to share with your loved ones.

And, as a preview, imagine a smooth and refreshing dessert where strawberries and roses come together in a delicate dance of flavours, complemented by velvety chocolate.

Stay tuned, as the link below will soon be available with the new recipe.

New recipe soon...