From bulls’ testicles to balut to bird’s mucus – 5 weird edible aphrodisiacs from around the world
Icelandic people eat rotten shark known as hákarl while Colombians feast on roasted leafcutter ants – all because of the apparent libido-boosting effects
Since the birth of man, seduction and a sated stomach have always been a perfect match. But some cultures have historically gone to extreme lengths to concoct the most extravagant, kinky dishes that are said to boost libido. Often the more gruesome the dish, the better the sex. Or so the legends say.
Columbia: roasted leafcutter ants
How about receiving a nice skewer of roasted ants on the day you tie the knot to wish you good luck for the first night of passion? Considered a potent sexual booster, in Columbia pregnant female leaf-eating ants (their bottoms full of eggs, hence the name hormigas culonas) are traditionally given to couples as a wedding gift. These tasty ants, which are high in protein and low in fat, are typically roasted or fried when they’re still alive and savoured in a salty mix.
The legs and wings are taken off, leaving only the body that forms a crispy-brown looking porridge. It’s a very expensive treat hailing back to pre-Colombian times, when pregnant ants were seen as a symbol of fertility. Locals believe that by consuming these insects men would gain sexual potency, and women the energy to conceive babies. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy inside. Local gourmet chefs also make ant sauces and ant bread.
China: bird’s mucus soup
This expensive delicacy, originally confined to Chinese nobility, is primarily made up of the sticky, slimy mucus of swiftlets mixed with feathers – the bird’s nest – which is said to lend a hand to couples who have problems in the bedroom. The jellylike concoction is said to boost virility, strength, men’s erotic drive and sexual performance. Usually served as a soup, bird nests are also used as ingredient in sophisticated rice dishes and desserts.
Accounts of 15th century sea journeys report sailors feeding for days on end on bird mucus and finding themselves bursting with health, vitality and energy. It was then served as a premium magical potion to the emperor. The potent agent responsible for boosting the libido lies within the bird mucous that contains a special glycoprotein. Today it is a pricey, Michelin-rated delicacy. High-quality bird’s nest has a delicate egg white flavour and could also feature an elegant sea-salty end taste if the nests are harvested near the ocean due to the fishy diet of the birds.