Need we say more?!?
While we very much love beer, we are also willing to admit that we love other things too… like food! In honor of the weekend of love (lust?), we took a look at some foods and flavors that enhance romance, which brings us to our latest edition of…
Ask the Brewer
What can you tell us about romantic foods or beverages?
While there are many foods that are considered aphrodisiacs, one of the most well known is oysters. Digging a little deeper into the science reveals that there is evidence to the oyster’s reputation, as these little power-houses pack a lot of zinc which is proven to help with fertility. They also are high in amino acids which helps in stimulating the production of sex hormones. If you serve those with a side salad of arugula and avocado, and then top it with pine nuts and a dressing rich in olive oil and cayenne pepper, you could be firing up a recipe for…. well… you know!! (WOOT!)
Arugula has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century AD, potentially because the minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens are proven to block environmental contaminants that can harm the libido. Avocados have a similar historic reputation, with their lore dating back to the time of the Aztecs. While there is some debate as to their specific “love” effect, their high Vitamin E content helps maintain youthful vigor and energy levels which certainly helps to keep the spark alive! Like oysters, pine nuts are an additional source of zinc, while the fats in olive oils are critical for a healthy heart, blood flow, and hormone production. (Greeks believed olives made men more virile!) Add in some chili pepper to stimulate endorphins (i.e., the brain’s feel good chemicals) as well as to speed up the heart rate and to make you sweat, and you start to mimic how you feel when you’re aroused. (*blush*)
For dessert we suggest watermelon, figs and bananas. (Yes… watermelon…) The lycopene in watermelon can have a Viagra-like effect by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation, while the antioxidants and potassium in figs provide a nutrient powerhouse. Bananas contain bromelain, an enzyme which triggers testosterone production and the fruit’s potassium and vitamin B help to elevate energy levels.
For a beverage, while wine is the traditional choice for this holiday, we instead recommend beer! (of course) Specifically, we suggest choosing styles with honey, coffee or chocolate. (I wonder where we could find a brewery that serves all of those….) Honey’s association with romance dates back to the 5th century when newlyweds would drink fermented honey beverages (i.e., mead) for the first month, or moon cycle, after they were married, which lead to the use of the term honeymoon. Honey also contains boron, which helps to regulate the levels of sex hormones while also providing an energy boost. Coffee provides a similar surge in energy and can purportedly help put women in the mood. However, if you want to really indulge, we recommend chocolate. While all chocolate is delicious, dark chocolate in particular causes a spike in dopamine levels, which increase feelings of pleasure. (YES!)
Irregardless of what you do this holiday to celebrate those you love, we wish you all an enjoyable weekend with much laughter and fun!
Taproom Tidings
Food options at the taproom this weekend include our first visit from Ernie’s Pub & Grille on Friday and well known favorite R Taco on Saturday. The Brewer’s Choice of the Raspberry Chocolate Strong Ale will be getting tapped on Friday, so come on down and buy a pint before it is gone! On deck for next week’s Brewer’s Choice is the return of our American Lager.
- Tap selection includes Pyro APA, Roasted Coffee Ale, Fused Orange Blossom Honey Ale, Cranberry Shandy, Raj-Agni IPA and Raspberry Chocolate Strong Ale
- Thirsty Thursdays $1 off pints and $2 off growler fills
- Nutmeg Pear Cupcake from Groundswell, nutmeg cake with fresh pear butter and cream cheese frosting
Final Thoughts
This Saturday, February 13th, we are hosting Pints for CCFA (that’s Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America) here at the BBB Taproom. There will be food, raffle prizes, etc. and we’ll be donating $1 of every pint sold to the foundation. Find more details on their Facebook page and if you can help spread the word, that’d be great. Looking forward to see you there!
As always, if you have questions, drop us a note via Email, Facebook or Twitter.
Cheers!