The word aphrodisiac comes from the name of the Greek Goddess of sexual love and beauty, Aphrodite. Honey is also known as the nectar of Aphrodite. Sticky, runny, viscous, butter-texture, deliciously sweet, honey it is as much a sensual experience as it is a delicious indulgence.

My neighbours, a retired couple but very active nonetheless, have as a hobby cycling and apiculture. In their back garden they have several beehives that they take care of with diligence. Every morning very early I can see them from my bedroom window walking up the hill to take care of their beloved bees. After lunch it is almost sure that they will spend the afternoon cycling on the countryside and for what they say, they spend very active nights as well !

This singular couple who last summer cycled France from north to South confessed to me that they owe their energy to their bees. They systematically consume honey and pollen every day. Honey on toast, pollen and yogurt, honey and crepes, tea and honey. They even make their own jams, breads and biscuits with honey. It is not a surprise my retired neighbours could manage the "Tour the France". Honey is one of the most seductive foods available worldwide and as it is a form of sugar provides sustained high energy. Being easily metabolized and rich in B-vitamins, enzymes and amino acids it helps to pump the energizers through your system.

This faith in honey as an aphrodisiac and energy booster reminded me the tradition of the honeymoon. In ancient times it was traditional to present the newlyweds with honey to help them enjoy their first sexual encounters and aid to procreate a child! The use of honey as an aphrodisiac is also mentioned in the Kama Sutra and The Perfumed Garden. Where it is said that honey spiced with nutmeg is said to heighten an orgasm.

I suppose that it was following this tradition that when we first move to France, our neighbours offered us a few bottles of honey from their own bees. The honey was exquisite. One of the bottles contained a runny clear honey while the other had a white and unctuous honey special for spreading on fresh bread or crepes. After that first taste my family have also become "addicted" to "home-made" honey.

"Le jus 'amour"

"Le jus 'amour" o the « love juice » is an ancient recipe made with honey, ginger and lemon. You should peel and extract the juice of 100gr. of ginger and mix that extract with water until you make a litre of juice. Leave to stand for a few hours. After that, you should squeeze the juice of 5 lemons and add to the water and ginger mixture. Add some good quality runny honey, enough to make a delicious sweet but refreshing drink. Serve very cold in long glasses. It is great first thing in the morning or as a non-alcoholic aperitif. The taste is sharp and fresh, ideal to awaken the senses.

If you make this juice at home do not leave your juice on a jug in the fridge. One sunny day after a long walk on the woods my old aunt came in thirsty, and drunk the whole jug of "Le jus 'amour" in one go... What happened after... that is part of another story....

And, if everything else fails... remember what Isabel Allende once said:

"For women the best aphrodisiacs are words. The G-spot is in the ears. He who looks for it below there is wasting his time."