The aphrodisiac history of honey

The nectar of Aphrodite, honey is one of the most seductive foods in the world. Sticky, viscous, deliciously sweet, honey is as much a sensual experience as it is a delicious indulgence.

What most honey lovers don’t realize is that this liquid gold’s finest property is in its variety. In fact, there are styles of this viscous sweetener to suit every mood. Experts say that there are as many variations of honey as there are cuvees of wine. Styles run from bold and thick as molasses to soft and creamy as butter.

And there are almost as many legends about honey’s aphrodisiac powers as there are varieties of this sweet syrup. It is traditionally offered at Indian weddings to symbolize the sweetness of life. In addition, the word honeymoon stems from a wish for a sweet marriage. Furthermore, it has been used as a symbol of fertility. And Hippocrates, the famed Greek physician, prescribed it for sexual vigor. He was also fond of administering a drink of milk and honey to induce sexual ecstasy.

Honey provides a quick shot of natural sugar. But beyond its ability to provide fast energy, it contains about 2% vitamins and minerals essential to obtaining and maintaining sexual health. One of those key components is boron, a nutrient believed to regulate hormones. And it increases nitric oxide, which is released in the blood stream during arousal.

Even in its manufacturing, honey’s lore is that of pure romance. Culled by honeybees, it is created from the nectar of flowers, the ultimate emblem of sexual ripeness.

Photo by Zsuzsanna Kilian.

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