Balls on the Heat and Humans in Heat

As ‘Cooking With Balls’ – the world’s first ever testicle recipe book, is ready to hit the stands, there is all this talk about aphrodisiacs, hormonesdefine and cookery all over again, giving enough food for thought.

It sure forces one to think that, while animals eat out of need, we humans have most of our eating habits stemming out of desire. Be it the desire to taste something good or the desire to let our taste buds lead us to ecstasy, we do not hesitate trying out anything that nature has to offer.

With the world already overflowing with recipe books, the new cook book by Chef Ljubomir Erovic that has taken over centre stage sure has all that is different, new, shocking and intriguing. The recipes range from testicle pizza, to battered testicles, to how to barbecue/boil/deep fry testicles or simply mince them well.

It is surprising how our taste buds have developed a liking for animal testicles. Is it the taste actually or the presumed promising effect of consuming these potent organs remains a point of discussion.

Nevertheless, it is true, as much as it is surprising, that humans are capable of consuming almost every animal testicle from those of pigs, ostrich, turkey, sheep, tigers or you name it; chef’s favorite being those of stallion and bull, while sheep testicles prove to be the best for aphrodisiac properties.

Medical science till now has no concrete proof that these natural aphrodisiacs have powers of increasing sexual desire, pleasure, virility as well as potency. Yet since times immemorial many foods – derived from animals as well as plants have been considered aphrodisiacs, consumed by kings and queens and noblemen of the past to the rich, famous and many of us commoners of the present day world too.

Their use is not restricted to a single country, continent or race, but can be seen being used the world over right through history. From Asians, to Chinese, to Arabs and people in the west, none are left untouched by this desire.

Foods that are categorized as aphrodisiacs are in fact the ones rich in drugs like testosterone, yohimbine, bremelanotide, etc. These drugs result in enhanced libido and often result in over sexuality with many serious side effects, upon over use.

Even Chef Erovic believes that animal testicles are in great demand because of the fact that they are rich in testosterone, the male sex hormone, and enjoy the reputation of being powerful aphrodisiacs, the fact that drove the Chinese tiger to extinction as it was hunted for its penis and testicles.

Other animal products known to enhance sexual desire are – Rhino’s horn, oysters, Spanish fly, mussels and turtle eggs among others. While a rhino’s horn holds the promise of enhanced strength and virility, oysters are known sources of amino acids which increase the secretion of sex hormonesdefine in the body.

The chemical cantheridin secreted by the Spanish fly to attract its mate has even led to this little bug being eaten live in some human tribes. While mussels and turtle eggs are the new exotic foods, recently added to the list of aphrodisiacs and are yet to prove their usefulness.

Many plants too are known aphrodisiacs, which are categorized into four groups:
• The desire stimulators or activators – like ginseng herb
• The sustainers that help to keep the act going, like – liquor ice root
• The rejuvenators that impart a complete feeling of wellbeing, like – strawberries
• The pleasure enhancers like – spirulina and ashwagandha
Other tried and tested plant aphrodisiacs are – ginger, chocolates, cardamom, garlic, nutmeg, saffron etc.

As many would love to try and taste the testicle recipes, others would rather be satisfied with strawberries and chocolates. It is difficult to tell whether it is the mind (read desire) that plays with the hormones or the hormones that play with the mind. But whatever be the case, it is the taste buds for sure that get the best of the bargain.