Weekebnd Cooking: Oxyporum (Roman food dressing)

[snowynight]

Oxyporum (alt,. spelling: oxyporum)

[tor. Oxyporum (which signifies “easy passage”) so named because of its effect]

• 2 ozs. of cumin
• 1 oz. of ginger [list. 1 oz. of green rue]
• 6 scruples of saltpeter,
• a dozen scruples of plump dates,
• 1 oz. of pepper
• 11 [list. 9] ozs. of honey.

The cumin may be either æthiopian, syrian or lybian, must be first soaked in vinegar, boiled down dry and pounded. Afterwards add your honey.
This compound, as needed, is used as oxyporum.

From: Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius

Recipe:
Ancient Roman Lettuce Salad with Oxyporum