The Aphrodisiac Power of Watermelon Jam

In the book “Sa cuina des poble de Menorca, rebosteria i pastisseria” we find a traditional recipe from Menorca to prepare watermelon jam, which can be made using only the rind or also the peel, although the peel must first be treated with lime, as was done in the past, to soften it.

July and August in Menorca are the peak summer months, when tomatoes, peppers, onions, melons and watermelons are harvested. In many households, the old custom of preparing jars of sofrito and jams is still alive, among them watermelon jam, which according to Dr. Francisca Aina Sastre has aphrodisiac properties.

In former times, when everything was used, each fruit or vegetable had its preserving season, ensuring food supplies for winter. One of the jams made on the island was watermelon jam, prepared with the rind, taking advantage of the white part that is not usually eaten. After cutting open a good striped Menorcan watermelon, the women of the house would separate the white part of the rind, chop it, and use it for jam. Sometimes the rind was softened in lime and used in candied preserves. This jam was stored in the pantry, served with cheese, or used to fill cakes. But what our ancestors probably did not know is that this jam has strong aphrodisiac powers, and could be considered a natural viagra.

The Mallorcan Francisca Aina Sastre, Doctor and Master in Neurosciences, graduate in Nutrition and Therapeutic Dietetics, Master in Anti-Aging Medicine, specialist in Psychosomatic Medicine, Health Psychology and Aesthetic Medicine, is the author of the book “Dulces y afrodisíacos, del postre a la seducción”, where she dedicates a chapter to her research on the effects of watermelon, particularly its rind, for which she registered the name “Sandiagra©”.

The benefits of watermelon

According to Dr. Sastre, some scientific studies claim that eating the white rind of watermelon can benefit both men and women with effects similar to drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension containing sildenafil citrate, marketed as “Viagra”.

She suggests that a few slices of watermelon could have effects similar to erectile dysfunction drugs and may even increase libido. “The more we study watermelon, the more we realize its potential as a natural enhancer for the human body.”

The “Crimson Sweet” variety, the classic striped watermelon, is particularly rich in citrulline, which the body converts into arginine, an amino acid beneficial for the heart, circulatory and immune systems. Arginine improves nitric oxide production, relaxing blood vessels and having the same effect as Viagra in treating and even preventing erectile dysfunction. It may also help prevent angina, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

Natural aphrodisiac

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Citrulline is found in higher concentrations in the white rind of watermelon, which is not usually eaten raw today, but can be used to make a delicious jam with aphrodisiac effects.

The Menorcan recipe is simple: 1 kg of watermelon rind, 500 g of sugar. The rind is chopped, covered with sugar and left overnight. The next day it is simmered in a clay or cast-iron pot, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the desired texture is reached. Lemon peel may also be added. Another variation includes melon and seasonal fruits such as peaches, pears, plums or quinces, which makes it more of a candied preserve than a jam.

Sandiagra©

Dr. Sastre proposes her own version of the jam, which she named “Sandiagra©”: 1 kg of watermelon rind, 500 g of sugar, one organic lemon cut into quarters, a cinnamon stick, 3 or 4 cloves and a little water. It is slowly cooked in a cast-iron pot until it turns a brownish color and develops a syrupy texture.

In both recipes, once the jam is ready, it is jarred, sealed, and placed upside down to create a vacuum until cooled. Once opened, the jars must be kept in the fridge. This jam pairs excellently with aged artisanal Menorcan cheese, and its aphrodisiac effects are noticeable about 10 minutes after eating.

According to scientific studies, watermelon jam is highly aphrodisiac and contains some of the same compounds as the drug known as Viagra. Dr. Francisca Aina Sastre is one of the main researchers and in 2016 she published the book “Dulces y afrodisíacos, del postre a la seducción”.