Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT

When the ancient Chinese philosopher Gaozi said "eating and sex are human nature," I think he was probably enjoying a hotpot of male animal genitalia at the time.

Why would anyone eat penises? Many Chinese people believe eating animal organs will enhance a human's weak organs accordingly. For example, if your legs are weak, eat chicken feet; if you want to nourish the brain, eat a pig's brain; and if you want to improve your sex drive, munch on some penises and testicles.

It has not been scientifically proven that eating male animal genitalia can make a man stronger or improve his prowess between the sheets. It is probably more the mind that plays a role, not the food.

Still, that seems not to stop people from trying to boost their libidos. Their adventure begins in the kitchen. The whole experience of cooking, from choosing the ingredients to preparing, cooking and serving, could be perceived as a prelude to sex, says professor Richard Shek from California State University in his paper, "Food in Chinese Culture." The Chinese erotic novel Jinpingmei, The Plum in the Golden Vase, is a good example of how food and sex were used to spice up a juicy story.

"Food is the God of the people," an old Chinese saying goes. While in modern China, many people still find it difficult to talk about sex, in Guolizhuang, a penis specialty restaurant in Beijing, many male customers do not seem to mind putting penises in their mouths.

The menu includes the sex organs of donkeys, goats, dogs, bulls and deer, which are believed to increase yang, virility. According to an AFP report, these organs are chopped up and served with vegetables and Chinese herbs. Organs from more exotic animals like a seal cost extra. The average price ranges between 200 yuan ($32) to 400 yuan. The taste? Some said it tastes like overcooked squid. Female customers are welcomed too, because the organs are said to be good for their skin. Oh, but I forgot to mention, that it's members only.

On the black market, a tiger's penis can be found for over $5,000. It probably tastes the same as any other animal's organ, but it has the extra value of showing off.

But don't worry if you can't get into that restaurant or have a problem putting genitalia in your mouth, there are more humble foods in your kitchen you can use to arouse your passion. According to some sex therapists, sex is about good blood circulation. Foods that get your blood pumping and improve neurological function can also do the trick. 

In the West, the consumption of much more ordinary ingredients such as garlic, onions, chili peppers and even chocolate and oysters, are believed to assist in enhancing people's love life. In China, you can use soy and ginseng. The former helps to relax your body, while the latter helps improve circulation. And it works for both men and women. I hope it makes your cooking a lot sexier.

This article was published on the Global Times Metropolitan section Two Cents page, a space for reader submissions, including opinion, humor and satire. The ideas expressed are those of the author alone, and do not represent the position of the Global Times.