How did the Roman legions in Britain sustain themselves?
Explore the flavors of the Roman frontier. This video recreates a dish designed to feed the Roman army in Britain, using historical ingredients like Defrutum, coriander, and sweet apples.
The video demonstrates how to prepare a meat-based dish using a combination of pork and beef. The recipe utilizes a variety of period-appropriate seasonings and liquids, including chicken stock, white wine vinegar, and Defrutum—a type of cooked grape must. To balance the savory elements of the meat, the dish incorporates sweet cubed apples, coriander seeds, and cilantro.
By recreating these ingredients, the presentation offers a glimpse into the culinary logistics required to support military forces stationed in Roman Britain.
Source: Feeding the Army of Roman Britain