Chillies, coriander, garlic ... sounds more like the makings of a tasty stir fry than a recipe for love. But apparently chillies speed up the heart rate and prompt the release of endorphins, coriander’s distinctive smell has aphrodisiac qualities, and garlic, rather than being passion killer, contains a plant compound called allicin, which can increase blood flow to the sexual organs.

Tesco Ireland has devised a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner using ingredients that are thought to spark romance, so hold the roses and get cooking. The feast starts with caramelised onion and goat’s cheese tart (endorphin releasing from the phenylethylamine in the cheese), followed by salmon with coriander salsa and avocado salad (seratonin elevating, mood enhancing fish), watermelon granita (high in ciruline which relaxes blood vessels), and chocolate and chilli pudding (theobromine in the chocolate can stimulate amorous feelings, apparently).

Take it all with a large pinch of salt, or follow it to a T and see how it goes. The aphrodisiac qualities of 11 foods used in the menu, and the recipes, are available at Facebook.com/TescoIreland.