A cache of ancient
Jewish scrolls recently discovered in southern Egypt is creating an excited
buzz among scholarly circles. Among the
newly discovered texts is a fragmentary copy of a 3rd century CE translation
of the 2nd century BCE work, The
Wisdom of Ben-Sriracha. Though
quoted in several other existing works, this is the first copy of Ben-Sriracha’s
writing to come to light.
Included here is the initial translation provided by Dr. P.L. Tarrec.
Included here is the initial translation provided by Dr. P.L. Tarrec.
The Prologue
Whereas many great
flavors have been given to us through the chefs and the gourmets and the other
epicureans that followed, and since it is necessary not only that the diners
themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love delicious
things should be able to help by preparing and tasting new foods, my
grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the tasting of great
foods, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in preparing them, was
himself also led to write something pertaining to the proper preparation, in
order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love spices should
make even greater and more appetizing dishes.
When I came to the
coastal city of Si Racha in my thirty-eighth year and stayed
for some time, I found little opportunity to enjoy food of great flavor. It
seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some pains and labor
to the preparation of a new sauce, to bring delight to the tongue and tears to
the eye.
In Praise of Spices
All spice comes from
the Lord
and is with him forever.
The tang of the garlic,
the bite of the vinegar,
who can taste them?
The sweetness of
allspice, the burn of the pepper,
what tongue can know them all?
Spice was created
before all things,
and their flavors from eternity.
There is a flavor that
is to be prized, greatly to be feared,
[…] .
The Lord himself
created the sun ripene[d] chilies;
he saw them and apportioned them;
he poured their sauce out upon all his favorite
foods.
[…]
The manuscript fragment ends here.
The manuscript fragment ends here.
...and it was good!
ReplyDeleteSo say we all.
ReplyDelete