Name: Theo Holtz
Title of your Project: Herb Moretum and Fresh Cheese: A Historical and Culinary Exploration
Location: Shire of Hartshorn-Dale
East Kingdom Wiki Link: https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/wiki/Theo_Holtz
Website/Blog Link: https://www.youtube.com/@TheoHoltz
Category: Cooking and Brewing
This project explores Herb Moretum, a traditional Roman dish made from fresh cheese and herbs, examining its role in ancient Roman society. The dish, simple yet nutritionally rich, is discussed through its historical, cultural, and culinary context. Moretum, originating from ancient agricultural practices and popular among rural Romans, offers insights into the resourcefulness of Roman culinary practices. By examining Columella’s recipe and its broader implications in Roman life, the paper uncovers the cultural values Romans placed on flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.
Moretum was prepared with local herbs, garlic, cheese, and olive oil, reflecting the Mediterranean climate’s abundance and the importance of agrarian self-sufficiency in Roman rural areas. The paper draws on ancient texts, such as those by Columella and Virgil, to analyze its significance and historical background, while also exploring its legacy in modern Mediterranean cuisine. Through this lens, the paper illustrates the enduring relevance of ancient Roman culinary methods and their influence on contemporary food culture.
This was entered and was a finalist in the Second Magister John Marshall atte Forde Memorial food competition & display. The competition was held at Harts & Horns on November 9th and I was very happy with the results creating a Mediterranean arrangement with my cheese for the judges. There were two different cheeses on display, one as a Ricotta base and the other as a farmer’s cheese base.
Additional Documentation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16jPprpaFUyFzm7pB6DbD-5flbP7HRWaWyekwFxvE2Yk/edit?usp=sharing
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