The expression ‘You don’t eat anywhere like in Spain’ is possibly one of the most used to highlight the gastronomic richness and flavor of the dishes in the diet of our geography. Without a doubt, it is one of the sectors that has experienced the most changes over the centuries. Not in vain, it has had to adapt to new cultures, ingredients and culinary techniques.
However, in the midst of this constant evolution, certain dishes that date back to historical pasts persist, allowing some culinary traditions to be maintained. A notable example is roses, a traditional dessert whose origin dates back to the Roman Empire and which, surprisingly, continues to be a star dessert in both hospitality establishments and homes.
In the Roman Empire, roses were not only prized for their beauty and scent but also for their versatility in cooking. In ancient times, the Romans already used rose petals to give their desserts a very special aroma and flavor.
Nowadays, flowers are still in fashion when it comes to baking terms. What’s more, currently, edible flowers—such as roses—are standing out in haute cuisine for their beauty, their explosion of flavors and their health benefits. “Edible flowers contain nutrients that are beneficial to health, so adding a flower to your plate can be very beneficial, since it is a source of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber,” they say from Grupo Rex, specialized in gastronomy and events.
In addition to a dessert with rose petals, there are numerous variations of desserts that can incorporate other types of flowers in their preparation. From Grupo Rex they remember that some of the most popular edible flowers are “violets, orange blossoms or carnations.”
Beyond roses, the diet of the Roman Empire left us a wide variety of foods and recipes that still exist in our kitchens. For example, wine or bread were common on Roman tables. The presence of vegetables such as cabbages, pumpkins or onions also stood out. Thus, in addition to desserts with roses, the Roman Empire has influenced us significantly with foods that continue to be fundamental in the diet we have today.
