Roman pantry

From NovaRoma

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Revision as of 01:40, 11 September 2007

This is a list of the things that could be found in a Roman pantry.

Anise seed : "In first-century Rome, anise was a flavoring in mustaceus, a popular spiced cake baked in bay leaves and eaten after a feast to prevent indigestion." (Rosengarten 1969)

Thyme : "The Romans used thyme to flavor cheese and liquors. Their soldiers would bathe in water infused with thyme to gain vigor, courage and strength." (Rosengarten 1969)

Caroenum: To make: Reduce 600ml (1 pint) Wine or Grape Juice by half by boil ing. Cool.

Defrutum: this is a thick fig syrup. To make: Reduce 600ml (1 pint) Wine or Grape Juice by two thirds by boiling. Add some honey to sweeten. Cool.

Liquamen, also known as Garum (Fish Sauce): salty in flavour. Look for fish sauces in asian markets, such as nuoc mam. Alternative: 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in 100ml (3½ fl oz) of wine. Important: As the strength of fish sauces may vary, ensure that you only use enough to season to your personal taste.

Passum: a thick sweet syrup. To make: Reduce 600ml (1 pint) Wine or Grape Juice, by half by boiling. Add Honey to sweeten. Cool.

Sapa, a syrup concentrate form of Passum, used as a preservative, and as a type of sauce.

Silphium (Asafoetida): This is used as an anti-flatulent and has a strong aroma. It is imported primarily from Iran. This may be found in Indian or Asian food shops.

@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 *'''Passum''': a thick sweet syrup. To make: Reduce 600ml (1 pint) Wine or Grape Juice, by half by boiling. Add Honey to sweeten. Cool.
+*'''Sapa''', a syrup concentrate form of '''Passum''', used as a preservative, and as a type of sauce.
 *'''Silphium''' (Asafoetida): This is used as an anti-flatulent and has a strong aroma. It is imported primarily from Iran. This may be found in Indian or Asian food shops.