Spices have always been integral to cooking, used to add flavour, texture, and transform recipes. Ancient Rome was no different. In the imperial kitchens of Rome, an array of spices were used to enhance the taste and texture of dishes and to create unique flavour combinations. But what spices did ancient Rome have in their kitchens and how did they use them?
The most popular spices of ancient Rome were pepper, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, rue, and celery seeds. According to gourmet historian and Ancient Rome expert, Maria Antonietta Macciocchi, the Romans would use these spices to create savoury dishes, desserts, and even drinks. Most of these ingredients were imported from the Middle East and North Africa, where Arab traders had plenty of knowledge about the benefits, taste, and use of each spice.
The use of spices was important to Roman culture as evidenced by their cookbooks. In De Re Coquinaria (The Art of Cooking) by Apicius, one of the most famous Roman cookbooks, there are many recipes which highlight the use of spices. One of the most famous dishes is called the ‘rustic seafood’, a decadent dish made of seafood, spices, and a variety of herbs. It was a dish that was expensive to make and to serve, and thus it was a dish often served by Roman elites.
Apart from the use of spices in cooking and baking, spices were also used for medicinal purposes. Roman physicians prescribed a wide range of spices for their patients for a variety of ailments. Pepper, for instance, was used to treat colds, skin infections, and headaches. Herbs like juniper and bayberry were used to treat digestive issues. And saffron was believed to have aphrodisiac properties, which made it popular among the Romans who believed in the power of the gods and goddesses.
Spices were also believed to have spiritual properties. Roman priests would prepare spice mixtures which they would burn as incense during religious ceremonies, believing it to be a sacred offering to the gods or goddesses they worshipped. This gave the spices a special reverence in ancient Rome.
Spices have a long and storied history in ancient Rome and beyond. The Romans were fascinated with the different flavours and aromas and were excellent at combining them in creative ways to create delicious dishes. Even today, Roman cooking is renowned for its complexity and use of spices.
Modern-Day Use of Spices in Roman Dishes
In modern-day Rome, the use of spices in cooking is still a key component of Roman cuisine. Several different spices are now used in Roman cooking that would not be used in ancient Rome. Oregano, basil, garlic, and rosemary are now popular spices used in Roman dishes that the ancient Romans would not be familiar with. Often, these spices are combined with the older spices to create unique flavour combinations that can’t be found in other parts of the world.
In addition to the use of spices in cooking, spices have also become popular ingredients in Roman drinks. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander are often added to classic Italian favourites like cappuccino, espresso, and even Italian beer. Adding these spices creates unique flavours and aromas, making the drinks a unique experience.
Spices are also often used to flavour traditional Italian desserts like gelato, cannoli, and tiramisu. For example, lemon zest and cinnamon are often added to gelato to create a unique flavour experience. Similarly, for cannoli, spices like nutmeg, coriander, and pepper are sometimes sprinkled over the top of the shell for extra flavour. Finally, cinnamon and nutmeg are often added to tiramisu for extra flavour.
Finally, spices are also used in Roman haircare. Spices like rosemary, peppermint, and ginger are often used in homemade masks and shampoos to promote healthy hair growth, nourish the scalp, and calm the mind.
Conclusion
Spices are an essential part of Roman cuisine, used for both cooking and medicinal purposes. The ancient Romans used a wide array of spices to create flavourful dishes, drinks, and other concoctions. In modern-day Rome, spices are still a key component of cooking, with more contemporary spices being added to the mix. Spices are also used for haircare, creating unique aromas and flavours that can’t be found anywhere else.
Importance of Spices to Ancient Rome
Spices were an integral part of life in ancient Rome. They were used to create unique flavours and aromas, to provide medicinal benefits, and even to give an offering to the gods and goddesses they worshipped. Spices were a valuable commodity, with traders bringing all sorts of exotic spices from distant lands. The ancient Romans used them to transform their dishes and show off their culinary prowess, something that is still a part of Roman culture today.
Spices, when used judiciously, can bring a level of depth and complexity to dishes, something the ancient Romans were well aware of. The use of spices helped to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, something that is still found in Roman dishes today. And so, the importance of spices to ancient Rome cannot be overstated.
Types of Spices Used by Ancient Romans
Pepper was one of the most popular spices used by the ancient Romans. It was imported from India – and it was expensive. Pepper was used to enhance the taste and texture of dishes, and it was also prescribed for medicinal purposes. Other popular spices were saffron, which was used to make desserts and drinks, cinnamon, which was believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties, coriander, cumin, rue, and celery seeds.
The spices were used to create unique flavour and aroma combinations that could not be found anywhere else. For example, the popular ‘rustic seafood’ dish was a combination of seafood, herbs, and spices. The combination of ingredients and proper use of spices was a hallmark of Roman cooking and is still prevalent today.
Storage of Spices in Ancient Rome
Unlike today, there was no refrigeration at the time, and so storing spices was a challenge in ancient Rome. Herbs and spices were sold in stores like apothecaries or in markets. They were stored in ceramic containers called amphoras, and there was a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These containers were able to keep the spices fresh and maintain their flavour.
The Roman kitchens also had a wide variety of tools for grinding and crushing the spices. Mortars, pestles, and hand-grinders were just some of the tools used to grind the spices, ensuring that the spices were fresh, flavourful, and potent.
Health Benefits of Spices
In addition to the flavour and aroma benefits of spices, the ancient Romans also believed that spices had medicinal properties. Pepper was believed to be a remedy for colds and headaches, and spices like juniper and bayberry were used to treat digestive issues. Saffron was believed to have aphrodisiac properties, which made it popular with the Romans.
Herbs and spices were also used in beauty products. The ancient Romans made face masks and lotions with spices and herbs like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint. These products were believed to help keep the skin looking young, improve complexion, and even help reduce wrinkles.
Influence of Spices in Ancient Rome Today
The influence of spices in ancient Rome is still seen in modern-day Roman cuisine. Spices are added to Roman dishes to create unique flavours and aromas. Traditional Italian desserts like gelato and tiramisu are now flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, something that would have been unheard of in ancient Rome. Spices are also used in Roman drinks, adding unique aromas and flavours that can’t be found anywhere else.
The use of spices in haircare is also still practiced today. Spices like rosemary, peppermint, and ginger are often used in homemade masks and shampoos to promote healthy hair growth, nourish the scalp, and calm the mind. This ancient practice is still commonplace in modern-day Rome and speaks to the importance of spices in ancient Roman culture.
