Love Among the Radishes

"Many so-called aphrodisiac recipes are basically wholesome ingredients prepared in a tasty way. The receptivity to romance probably comes from the general sense of relaxation and well-being good food induces." — Harry E. Wedeck, author of "Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs."

For those in the market for more than basic sustenance on the eve of Valentine's Day, you're likely to find a bumper crop of reputed aphrodisiacs, some of which might even have some science behind them.

A recent study in Britain concluded that people who eat carrots and plums are considered more attractive. The reason? A healthy-looking skin tone that can result from consuming the pigments in those and other carotene-rich vegetables and fruits. The researchers say that it takes about two months of consuming that type of diet to begin to see the effect in skin color. It's not clear how long it takes before you have to start fending off admirers. 

While locally grown plums are in short supply at this week's market at the Alamitos Bay Marina (unless you want dried ones), there should be plenty of carrots. Other root vegetables and leafy greens are rich in beta carotene, and you can also find significant amounts in produce such as peppers, apricots, squash and tomatoes. Most of those already have a reputation in folklore for encouraging passion and/or fecundity—radishes, for instance, were revered by Egyptian pharaohs as an aphrodisiac. 

Also making the list: Avocados, which were esteemed by the Aztecs, strawberries, apples, raspberries, grapes, celery, pomegranates, mushrooms, basil, rosemary, cilantro, tarragon, garlic, almonds, mushrooms and lavender.

Asparagus, is on there too. In what seems a bit like stacking the deck (given the reputation of the French), bridegrooms in 19th century France were encouraged to eat several helpings of it. 

It might be simpler to list the items you'll find at a farmers market that aren't. 

Here's a recipe for a simple appetizer or dessert that contains a double dose: strawberries and honey—both of which should be available at today's market. (To cut down on sugar, omit the jelly.)

Strawberry Bruschetta 

• 1 8-ounce loaf baguette-style French bread
• 1 8-ounce tub cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup strawberry jelly

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut bread into 24 slices about 1/4-inch thick. Place in a single layer on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 10 minutes or until lightly brown, turning once.

Stir together cream cheese and honey; spread on one side of each bread slice. Arrange strawberry slices on the cheese. Heat jelly in a custard cup in a microwave oven on high power for 30 seconds; stir (or heat and stir in a small saucepan until melted). Brush jelly over strawberries. Makes 24 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Toast the bread and store in a covered container at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze up to 1 month. Stir together the cream cheese and honey; cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

In abundance and looking very good at the Sunday market, around 8:45 a.m.:

• strawberries
• carrots
• cauliflower
• broccoli crowns
• cabbages (red and green)
• spinach
• lettuce (romaine, red leaf, butter) and mixed greens
• citrus fruits (navel oranges, satsumas, Page tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, pomelos)
• grapes
• pomegranates
• cilantro
• beets
• brussels sprouts
• artichokes
• potatoes (several varieties)
• garlic
• onions

Also available:

• tomatoes
• green beans
• thin-stalked asparagus
• blackberries
• red raspberries
• blueberries
• parsnips
• mushrooms
• Romanesco broccoli
• baby cauliflower
• apples
• bok choy
• snow peas
• snap peas
• Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes)

There's also a wide selection of fresh-cut flowers and flowering plants, including roses, orchids and tulips (see photos).

Harbor Area Farmers Market (Long Beach Southeast). Alamitos Bay Marina, on East Marina Drive, one-quarter mile south of East Second Street, just west of Pacific Coast Highway. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (though some vendors are ready to sell at 7 a.m.). www.goodveg.org.