6 Foods That Symbolize Love

4 min readFeb 14, 2019

For some, it is the most loved, feared and dreaded holiday on the calendar. The expectations! The planning! The equally-intense pressure of “is it too soon” or “am I doing enough!” Well, Boys and Girls, no matter what it means to you, Valentine’s Day is here. And at the end of the day, at least you can make sure to have been eating your way through it.

Around the world and throughout many cultures, food carries with it not only flavor and nutrition, but also meaning. These particular foods symbolize all of the facets of love. Whether you’re coupled up or just hanging out, here are a few incredible love-inspired, vegan recipes to share with loved ones (or enjoy all by yourself).

1. POMEGRANATES

The intricately bold and beautiful pomegranate was a symbol of marriage and life in Greek Mythology. In other cultures, it is regarded as a representation of togetherness. Just as the seeds stick tightly together, safe in its protective exterior, may your Valentine’s day be filled with comradery!

Locate your favorite guacamole recipe (or borrow this one) and sprinkle in some fresh pomegranate seeds. If you’re feeling particularly impressive, fry up some plantain chips and serve.

This Pomegranate Poached Pear recipe is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Serve with your favorite non-dairy ice cream for the perfect balance of cold, warm, tart and sweet.

2. NUTS

Like the pomegranate, nuts exhibit a hard, outer layer that protects its important insides. Many cultures celebrate nuts as a symbol of strong marriage. More specifically, hazelnuts, almonds and chestnuts all are associated with love.

What’s better than a homemade cake? A homemade cake without the sink stack of dirty dishes. I present to you: a One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.

These gorgeous Almond Cookies are known to bring magic to your table and your tongue:

Whisking you right back over to the savory side of things, consider this heart-warming Pumpkin Chestnut Pasta dish.

3. LEMONS

In Italy, especially on the Amalfi Coast, lemons symbolize eternal love, purity and friendship. Lemons are a fresh start; a palate cleanser. They are uplifting, inspiring and healing — all key components of true love.

Lemon bars should be considered a dessert staple. Tart, sweet, refreshing and decadent, here is a creamy vegan version of the old favorite.

For a caloric break (or at least to start things off), prepare a simple salad with this robust Lemon Vinaigrette.

4. BASIL

In India and Italy, basil is a symbol of good wishes and love. An Italian woman might put a pot of growing basil outside her front door — it means she is ready for love. Today, basil represents friendship, and it is not uncommon to gift a new neighbor with a basil plant. Especially if said neighbor is particularly your type.

Pesto is already a basil-forward favorite. Here’s a 10-minute vegan recipe that works perfectly on pasta, pizza or as a spread.

Or, kick it up a notch and dish out some Spicy Basil Noodles or Thai Basil Fried Rice.

5. HONEY

Honey is quite anciently known for its sweet, medicinal, loving purposes. Stemming from Greek, Italian and Nordic cultures, honey is associated with love in many ways, even becoming an affectionate nickname.

So. Honey isn’t vegan. But, vegan honey does exist. Apples, lemon and sugar. Who knew?

Now that you have your own homemade vegan honey, drizzle it on a scoop of coconut ice cream (or your preferred alternative). It’s incredibly simple, but the honey freezes up just slightly, creating a delightful texture alongside its dynamic sweetness.

6. CHOCOLATE

No surprises here. Chocolate, when eaten, produces feelings of love and euphoria ( from the endorphins and serotonin released in the brain upon first taste). Thus, suitors playing Cupid try every year to get their loved one to eat chocolate in their presence.