It’s Valentine’s Day, so with love in the air, we are looking at some of the best aphrodisiac foods in Turkiye we can supply with your yachting provisions.

Turkish cuisine has long been associated with love, passion, and indulgence—from the saffron-infused dishes enjoyed by the Ottomans to the ancient Anatolian dishes and desserts made using honey, figs, and pomegranates. Turkiye’s local markets brim with natural ingredients that are said to ignite the senses and spark romance. So, if a passion-filled meal onboard is called for this season, here are a few items to add to the menu.

APHRODISIAC FOODS IN TURKIYE

When creating a truly unforgettable romantic dinner, first things first – using the finest yachting provisions, fresh produce, and ingredients is essential. Yes, of course, we can supply the best oysters, salmon, avocados, chilli peppers, strawberries, and chocolate to help set the mood. But, for this post, we focus on five locally sourced ingredients perfect for incorporating into romantic appetisers, entrees, and desserts.

Honey: The Original Aphrodisiac

Let’s start our rundown of Turkiye’s aphrodisiac foods with honey, as this irresistibly sweet and indulgent nectar has been cherished as a romantic ingredient for centuries.

You may not be aware that the word “honeymoon” is thought to have originated from the ancient tradition of newlyweds consuming honey each day for a full lunar cycle to bring about a sweet and passionate marriage, so be sure to include a honey-based dish or dessert when serving a romantic meal onboard!

In Turkiye, honey appears in many breakfast, appetiser, and entrée dishes. Turkish honey with clotted cream served with fresh Turkish bread is a winning combination, as are honey-glazed fish and seafood dishes and honey-drenched baklava desserts. Turkish honey is also served at many marriage celebrations and given as a gift to newlyweds or those trying to have a baby, as it’s believed to be a symbol of new life and fertility – see our blog on Turkish honey for a rundown of the many types of honey we can supply with your yachting provisions.

Pomegranates: A Symbol of Passion and Fertility

With their ruby-red seeds and juicy bursts of flavour, pomegranates have been associated with fertility and love for centuries. In Turkish culture, you often find pomegranate motifs used in traditional ceramic and textile designs, as the fruit is seen as a symbol of abundance, so it’s an obvious ingredient to include when serving a romantic meal.

The Ancient Anatolians also believed pomegranates were lucky and would bring wealth and prosperity to those who consumed them, so even today, dishes made with pomegranates are served at weddings or engagements.

Aside from their symbolic meaning, pomegranates are healthy and packed with vitamins and antioxidants said to improve vitality. Their distinct sweet yet tart taste makes them versatile, so they can be incorporated into a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes. In Turkiye, chefs use pomegranate kernels to add vibrance and interest to salads, dress mezze dishes, and adorn desserts. Pomegranate molasses is also used in several Turkish grilled fish and seafood dishes or as a base for salad dressings – ASK US to add some to your next yachting provisions list.

Figs: A Sweet and Indulgent Delight

Figs are another fruit packed with seeds containing fibre and energy-boosting antioxidants, and they are renowned for their aphrodisiac properties. Their sweet taste once appealed to the Ottomans, and dishes made from fresh and dried figs were often served at the palaces.

Turkiye is famed for its figs, with figs from the mountainous region of Aydin in Izmir Province accounting for around 70% of the world’s fig production. These prized fruits received an official PDO Geographic Indication (GI) rating in 2016 due to their phenomenal taste and unique qualities. Aydin figs are recognised for their distinctive pear-shaped case, sweet taste, and yellow colour. During their harvest in August and September, the fresh figs are outstanding, so ASK US to arrange for boxes of the best organic figs from Aydin to be delivered to the yacht. Also, read more about Aydin’s Figs in our article about Turkish GI Produce.

You can include figs in many Turkish dishes. Fig and walnut mezze or a pairing of good quality Turkish white cheese and fresh figs makes a delightful appetiser. Fig-glazed, slow-roasted lamb is also a delicious main course. If drinks are called for, a fig martini or fig and cinnamon-infused Old Fashioned adds an interesting twist to a romantic, starry evening soiree.

Saffron: The Spice of Desire

Saffron is known as one of the most expensive and prized spices. This exotic, fragrant spice is a prized aphrodisiac and was favoured by the sultans, who often requested saffron-based dishes and sides to be served at their feasts.

Turkish saffron is used in many savoury and sweet dishes, as its vibrant colour adds warmth, and its delicate flavour and aroma give depth and sophistication to meals. The spice promotes circulation and relaxation, making it a desirable choice for a romantic dinner, especially in slow-cooked lamb and chicken dishes, risotto, and rice pilafs. Our yachting provisions team can supply top-quality Turkish saffron – LET US KNOW if you want to add saffron and other Turkish spices to your provisions list.

Almonds: The Nutty Symbol of Love and Prosperity

Finally, no romantic menu is complete without almonds, as these crunchy, nutty delights symbolise love and prosperity.

Turkiye produces some of the world’s best almonds, with almonds from Datca renowned for their buttery flavour and high oil content. Turkish almonds are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, both qualities making them a natural aphrodisiac.

Try serving almond-crusted local seabass, a spiced almond and fig rice or pilaf dish, or ASK US to supply some Turkish Delight containing almonds and rose water to serve with coffee for the perfect ending to a romantic evening.

Yachting Provisions: Let Us Supply All You Need For a Romantic Celebration

The next time guests request a romantic meal onboard, bring a taste of Turkiye to the table and let us supply all the fresh produce and ingredients you need to cook up a storm. From premium quality honey and award-winning figs to the finest saffron strands and buttery almonds, these aphrodisiac foods in Turkiye will perfectly complement the menu.

No matter if it’s Valentine’s Day or simply a couples celebration onboard, our yachting provisions team can provide a full range of fresh produce, premium meats, seafood, artisanal cheeses, and imported treats to ensure you have everything at hand to craft an exceptional feast.

CONTACT US today to place your order, or see our YACHTING PROVISIONS page for more information.