The aphrodisiac history of bananas

Its shape makes the banana a shoe-in for world’s most suggestive food. But, phallic allusions aside, bananas have a lot to offer to the world of romance.

For starters, behind that slick peel, the slender banana’s fruit is packed with nutrients essential to sexual hormone production, including potassium and B vitamins.

Bananas originated in Asia, where they became one of the earliest cultivated fruits. In India, where their aphrodisiac nature was embraced early on, bananas were said to be a favorite fruit of the sages. Even today, bananas are included in Indian offerings to the fertility gods.

But this sexy reputation extends to many other cultures. In Islam, the banana, not the apple, was believed to be the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden.

They were introduced to the Caribbean and Central America by early Portuguese and Spanish explorers. The fruit’s aphrodisiac nature quickly took hold and still remains today. In Central America, the sap of the red banana tree is sipped as an aphrodisiac elixir.

For a sexy, year-round treat, try freezing bananas, then dip in hot fudge and feed to your lover.

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods