Make 2021’s Valentine’s Day your most romantic yet, with these thoughtful tips from our Traders.
The significance of flowers
The history of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day comes from an old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to loved ones as a way to pass on non-verbal messages. Today, flowers symbolise many things, from fertility to love, marriage and romance, and are the perfect gift to give.
Each flower has a specific meaning, and a carefully considered selection can say a lot! Traditional choices are red Roses, for love and romance; red Tulips, symbolising passion; Lily of the Valley for pure love; and red Chrysanthemums to say, ‘I love you’.
“I always give flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day. You just can’t beat a bunch of classic flowers; I don’t think Valentine’s is Valentine’s without them. I always find a really lovely selection at the Market. If I was going out for a romantic picnic then I would give the flowers there and create a beautiful fruit platter to graze on,” said Tony at F&J Fruiterers.
If you’re looking for the ideal bouquet, check out Clara’s Flowers and Flawless Flowers, while Prahran Garden Centre is the place to go for plants and succulents if you want to give a lasting gift.
Food is the way to the heart
Alan D. Wolfelt once said, “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” Pretty relevant on Valentine’s Day, we say!
But what foods do our Traders enjoy on Valentine’s?
“I don’t think it gets any better than an amazing cheese platter with cold meats and fruit. And, of course, a great bottle of wine,” George at Cleo’s Deli.
Keep in mind that not every Valentine’s meal means heading out.
“My husband and I eat our house-made Parmegiano Pesto with Black Truffle with a glass of red wine at home. It’s so popular and a real treat; we sell so much of it for Valentine’s. In terms of gifts, I like anything if it’s a surprise. It really is about the thought and the showing of love. It could be as simple as a rose, a bouquet, or a dinner made with the freshest produce. My husband surprises me every year and it’s that element of surprise and display of love that makes me really happy,” Naheda from Naheda’s Choice.
Alex from Mama Marija’s believes he won his wife over with good food.
“If I could choose any dish for Valentine’s Day, I would love Belgian waffles with choc hazelnut spread and strawberries. But what have I made for loved ones in the past? I made my girlfriend a seafood marinara dish a few years ago and that went down a treat. That girlfriend is now my wife so I must have done something right.
But also remember that food on Valentine’s Day doesn’t always mean extravagance; sometimes something simple, yet good quality does the trick.
“I love to be given something sweet as it is a sweet day. My husband and I keep it low-key so he usually gives me quality chocolates. I always find something you’ve made yourself or is handmade makes a gift extra special, so I will be giving my husband the macarons we’ve made in shades of pink especially for Valentines to enjoy,” Wendy at Stir the Pot.
What about those aphrodisiacs?
Many foods are recognised as aphrodisiacs and Valentine’s Day seems the perfect time to try them out. Though in many cases there is no scientific evidence of increasing libido, there are definitely foods that are enjoyed on dates and signify love. Here are some of our faves:
- Oysters. Ahh, oysters, renowned for being eaten on romantic dates. You’ll find freshly shucked oysters aplenty in Bracher Arcade.
- Legend has it that strawberries originated from the heart-shaped tears of Aphrodite; isn’t that enough to get anyone in the mood for a bit of love?
- Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for heart health but also assists with the production of oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
- Figs are in season right now and they not only look great but are delicious too.
- Did you know that Saffron’s history as an aphrodisiac dates back to Cleopatra? With plenty of dishes using this precious spice, Valentine’s might be the perfect day to try one.
- While garlic may not create the most romantic of breaths, this bulb is high in allicin, which increases blood flow and wellness of the cardiovascular system, so is classed as an aphrodisiac.
So, there you have it, there are plenty of foods that are perfect for Valentine’s Day to get you and your loved one in the mood for romance. We hope our Traders have given you some inspiration on ways to woo your significant other this year, whether it’s by a delicious home-cooked meal or a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
