One of the most tangible ways to show love is through food. While extravagant ingredients and meals are wonderful and special, sometimes whipping up something quick, healthy and nourishing can go a long way in improving how you or a loved one feels.
Strawberries are antioxidant powerhouses, helping our bodies to recover from issues like stress, poor nutrition and pollution. Moreover, they are very high in vitamin C for strong immunity and even when they are not coated in chocolate they have the potential to be aphrodisiacs. Ancient folklore recognized them as a symbol of love with ties to the goddesses of this domain including Venus, Aphrodite and Freja, and throughout history they have been associated with sensuality.
Rose water (and roses themselves) have held significance for many civilizations over thousands of years. In some previous cultures it was thought to enhance beauty, it was appreciated for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties and was used as a therapeutic tool against depression and anxiety. Now it is used mostly in cosmetics and Middle Eastern cuisine, a region I find particularly exotic and romantic, in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be tricky to find but ethnic grocers and specialty spice shops usually carry it and sometimes large grocers do as well. Just a little bit goes a long way and adds an unmistakable fragrance that makes a regular fruit smoothie seem extra special.
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tangerine, juiced
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon rose water
- Optional: a handful of ice
- Blend until smooth. Add more honey if it's not sweet enough, drink cold and maybe share with a loved one.
