Liquamen

Liquamen was a type of fermented fish sauce that was a staple of Roman cuisine. It was similar to the modern day fish sauce used in Southeast Asian cooking, and was a predecessor to the garum and colatura di alici sauces.

History

The origins of liquamen are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been a staple in the Mediterranean diet since at least the Roman Republic era. It was used as a condiment and a cooking ingredient, and was often mixed with wine or vinegar to create a variety of flavors.

Production

Liquamen was made by fermenting fish or fish byproducts in brine. The fish used were typically small, such as anchovies or sardines, and the fermentation process could take several weeks or even months. The resulting sauce was a rich, salty liquid that was strained and bottled for use.

Use in Roman Cuisine

In Roman cuisine, liquamen was used in a variety of dishes. It was often used as a seasoning in cooking, similar to how soy sauce is used in Asian cuisine today. It was also used as a dipping sauce, and was sometimes mixed with honey or spices to create a sweet or spicy flavor.

Legacy

While liquamen is no longer commonly used, its legacy lives on in the form of modern fish sauces and similar condiments. It is also occasionally recreated by historical reenactors and food historians interested in recreating authentic Roman cuisine.

See Also

• Garum
• Fish sauce
• Roman cuisine
• Mediterranean diet