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Is Cupid Hiding Behind That Cabbage Leaf?

Rick Bonino Food Editor

That old adage “you are what you eat” is particularly important to remember on Valentine’s Day.

The foods you consume during the day can have a direct effect on your romantic activities after hours, according to a survey by the AllHerb.com Web site.

Among the findings (at least, the ones we can print in a family newspaper):

* The top five foods that induce romance in women: strawberries, chocolate, artichokes, shrimp and garlic.

* The top five foods that induce romance in men: chocolate, cabbage (huh?), artichokes, mashed potatoes and red meat.

* The top five foods that inspire couples to “spoon” in bed: garlic, shiitake mushrooms, chocolate, olives and lemon.

* The top five spices used by couples with the most active love lives: cayenne pepper, rosemary, garlic, onion and basil. But skip the oregano; one in four women said they, er, “had a headache” after eating a meal seasoned with it. (Guess that’s why they call it orega-NO.)

Hey, baby, wanna Necco?

For those of you keeping score at home, this year’s new sayings on those little Necco candy hearts: Swing Time, Time Out, Much Ado, In the Mood, 2000 Hugs, 2000 Kisses, Angel, Amore, Romeo, Got Love, Girl Power— plus, on a nonverbal note, a peace sign. Also new: an all-chocolate version of the conversational confections.

Tic-tacky

Jumping on the Cupid bandwagon, Tic-Tac is offering its breath mints in a special Valentine’s Day gift box featuring two flavors: cinnamon (red) and fresh mint (white). Hey, how much more romantic can you get?

Totally cheesy

Meanwhile, the iGourmet.com Web site is peddling what it calls “the most romantic delicacy of all” - heart-shaped Wensleydale cheese from England, studded with cranberries and encased in ruby-red wax.

Growing concerns

Finally, for those of you whose hearts are with the small farmer, Spokane Tilth and Washington State University Cooperative Extension are sponsoring a talk Tuesday on how to involve youths and low-income people in community farming and gardening programs.

A free public presentation on the topic begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Spokane cooperative extension office, 222 N. Havana, followed by a workshop for community activists at 7:30 with a registration fee of $15 (free for Spokane Tilth members).

For registration or information, call (509) 725-0610 or (509) 477-2167.