All about black truffle > Are Truffles Aphrodisiac?

The Greeks and Romans attributed therapeutic and aphrodisiac properties to the truffle that were still acknolwedged in the 19th century. But are truffles, in fact, aphrodisiac? The answer is far from clear. Though sows instinctively seek out truffles, it's because they give off scents identical to certain substances found in the porcine sexual organs - namely a pheremone with a strong musky smell similar to that found in the testicles of the boar and transfered to the salivary glands during arousal. The biological role of this pheremone could explain the sow's ardor and motivation for truffles.  (1)

One thing is certain: Perigord truffles elicit a strong response one way or the other. Their scent is pungent and unforgettable, a blend of mineral and animal secretion with woodsy, earthy notes and undertones of roasted dried fruit. They also have a slightly peppery flavor.

"Truffle. As soon as the word is spoken, it awakens lustful and erotic memories among the skirt-wearing sex and erotic and lustful memories among the beard-wearing sex. This honorable parallelism comes not only from the fact that this esteemed tuber is delicious, but also because it is still believed to bring about potency, the exercise of which brings sweet pleasure."

A good "Truffle and champagne cocktail" (1 part truffle liqueur to 2 parts champagne) will bring Valentine's Day lovers closer togetether! 

It has been said that truffles can "make women more tender and men more amiable." 

See our truffle-based recipes

(1) Claus R., Hoppens H.O., Karg H., 1981. The secret of truffles: a steroïdal pheromone. Expérimentia, 1178-1179.