Asparagus has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Sceptics are quick to dismiss asparagus as merely psychological. But aspargus contains a number of chemicals that may add to the undeniable erotic symbolism of this vegetable.

PhytoHormones
A number of plants (including asparagus) contains phytohormones or phytosteroids. These are plant chemicals that have steroid-like action in humans. A 2002 study found that Asparagus exerted an estrogenic effect. (PMID:12387301). Like soy and licorice, asparagus can influence the sex hormone receptors.

Asparagine
Asparagus is a rich source of the amino acid asparagine (which was first discovered in the vegetable). Consuming asparagus is known to add an funky aroma to the urine of some people. About 40% of the population metabolise asparagine into 2 odorous chemicals: S-Methyl thioacrylate and S-methyl 3-(methylthio)thiopropionate. These compounds may have an effect on the nerves in the urinary tract, and may lead to sexual stimulation in some people.

Wild Asparagus
While domesticated asparagus in the vegetable aisle contains a measurable level of ecdysteroids, some the 'wild' species of asparagus have even more. Indian Asparagus (A. racemosus) is known as Shatavari, or woman with a hundred husbands. This name hints at the aphrodisiac properties of that species of asparagus, although some Ayurvedic herbologists insist the herb can give 'patience' and 'strength' to a women who had 100 husbands, who are more demanding and child-like than any child. ;)

The active portion for shatavari is the root, which is usually dried. It is said not only to be an aphrodisiac, but also to increase the flow of milk in nursing women. It is prescribed for menopause and some type of menstrual cycle problems. Additionally, it is used for a recuperation from a variety of diseases, as it is considered nutritive and anti-inflammatory. In ayurveda, shatavari asparagus is used to lower pitta, which is loosely translated as excess heat or intensity. While shatavari is used most for women, it has similar (but weaker) aphrodisiac effects in men. Men with a pitta constitution might be overstimulated by a large dose of Ashwagandha, but a blend of asparagus with ashwaganhda would usually be balanced enough for pitta people.

Other species of Asparagus (A. lucidus, A. cochinchinensis) are used in Chinese herbology, where it is called Tian Men Dong. According to TCM, Chinese asparagus clear heat from the lungs, cause ascending fire to descend, supplements yin, and moistens or counteracts dryness.

Asparagus in the Kitchen

Steaming asparagus is one of the easiest ways to prepare it, and it preserves nutritional (and aphrodisiac) factors that might be lost in boiling. Lightly steamed asparagus also remains firm and phallic.

Asparagus soup is another delicious alternative. This recipe is quite flexible, quick and easy. Local asparagus is usually in season in the spring, but thanks to the wonders of modern transportation and (a few horticultural tricks), it is available through much of the year.

Easy Asparagus Aphrodisiac Soup Recipe

Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 medium leek, sliced
• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white rice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  
  

  Directions
  1. In a large pot, combine the water or stock, green asparagus ends and separated leek greens. Heat over low heat and allow to simmer while you prepare the rest.

  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and oil. Add the leek 'whites', onion and rice and cook until the onion begins to color (about 7 1/2 minutes). Add 1 cup of the warm stock and cook 10 more minutes.

  3. Strain the stock of the asparagus and leek ends and return to the pot. Add the contents of the saucepan to the strained stock along with the asparagus middles and partially cover the pot. Cook 12 more minutes.

  4. Transfer soup to a food processor and puree. Strain this back into the stockpot. Season and add salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Meanwhile, drop the asparagus tips into boiling salted water and cook until tender (about 4 minutes). Serve the soup with a few asparagus tips on top for garnish.

You can find 75 other asparagus recipes at This Victoria Island page. The recipe I posted here was a page at wikipedia.com, until the editors there decided to delete it ("We are not a cookbook!"). The recipe itself is licensed under the GNU Creative Commons license (it isn't mine).