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Colombian aphrodisiac delicacies
The aphrodisiac qualities of foods like oysters and asparagus are recognized worldwide, but did you know that right in Colombia’s own backyard there are mood-boosting foods? Here are some local favorites known for inspiring desire, available from street vendors, local markets, and supermarkets across the country:
Chontaduro
Colombia’s “miniature coconut” (bactris gasipaes, to be precise) is as famous for awakening desire as it is for being a popular street snack — it’s even been the subject of songs. This bright orange fruit is harvested from its palm and sold raw or boiled for up to five hours in salted water before being served as a dried fruit with honey, milk, salt, or a splash of lime.
Believed to have originated in the Amazon, chontaduro was a central part of many Indigenous diets before becoming a staple in cities like Cali and throughout the Pacific coast. Besides being a bold aphrodisiac, chontaduro is rich in fiber and iron and high in carbohydrates, giving you the extra energy you need.
Photo: Pixabay
Passion Fruit and Papaya
We all know passion fruit — called *maracuyá* in Colombia — and it’s known as the “fruit of passion” for a reason, though not the one you might think. Spanish missionaries named the plant “passion flower” because its large white blooms with purple centers reminded them of the Crucifixion of Christ.
Although today we associate passion fruit with sex, and there’s some evidence that passion flower may improve sexual function and sperm count, the real star here is papaya. Said to be an estrogenic fruit, papaya is believed to support women in many ways — including enhancing sexual desire.
Photo: Wikimedia
Borojo
The borojo fruit is a long-time favorite and a key ingredient in the famous “berraquillo,” Bogotá’s well-known aphrodisiac that mixes borojo and crab meat with other ingredients like chocolate, soda, whisky, wine, milk, and honey — depending on where it’s made.
Borojo is a large fruit (it can grow up to 12 cm long) that thrives in hot, humid regions, which is why it’s mostly found in Chocó, along the Pacific coast. In addition to the berraquillo, Colombians use borojo to make desserts, jam, and wine. It’s considered a healthy food — and the country’s favorite aphrodisiac.
Photo: Wikimedia
Pitahaya
Pitahaya is a superfruit believed to cure everything from aging and acne to high blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, stress, Alzheimer’s, and cataracts — so it’s no surprise that this yellow-skinned, white-fleshed fruit with black seeds is also believed to seduce Colombians in the bedroom.
There’s only one problem: while there’s strong evidence of its vitamin and antioxidant content, there’s little proof it increases sexual desire. Still, it’s a delicious fruit worth trying.
Photo: Pixabay
Ceviche
Colombians are addicted to their traditional ceviche — one of the country’s favorite seafood dishes — made with fresh shrimp marinated in lime and served in a cocktail-style mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, partly because of its aphrodisiac reputation. The famous Venetian lover Casanova claimed shrimp got him in the mood for love, and some believe these crustaceans should be consumed during sex to heighten pleasure.
Either way, the places where Colombian ceviche is most commonly enjoyed — like beaches along the Caribbean coast — are romantic enough to inspire anyone.
Photo: Pixabay
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