Oysters
Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century AD, as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the female genitals! In reality, oysters are very nutritious and high in protein. Take one bottle of good Champagne, six very fresh oysters – and turn off the phone.

Pine nuts
Zinc is a key element necessary to maintain male potency, and pine nuts are rich in it. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as medieval times. So, after a game of Scrabble, serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a triple word score.

Raspberries and strawberries
Perfect for hand-feeding your lover. They both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples! High in vitamin C, they also make a sweet, light dessert. Sprinkling cracked black pepper over strawberries ups the ante.

Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitise the skin to touch. A light omelette sprinkled with truffle shavings, accompanied by a bottle of chilled Riesling, and you’re anybody’s.

Vanilla
The scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust. Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla pod to each for a heady, bubbly treat.

Check out the UKTV Food website for some seriously saucy recipes.