this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2024
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Explanation: The Romans used lead-lined cookware not in ignorance of its dangers, but wholly cognizant of them - the Romans recognized lead poisoning from various sources, and regarded lead as 'unwholesome' to human health.
They used lead widely in many applications that they could be forgiven for thinking were not dangerous - they understood how to prevent lead leaching in pipes, and used lead in writing tablets. Less forgivably, in cosmetics. But most dangerous of all was the use of lead pots in making 'defrutum' - sweet wine ~~jelly~~ syrup, which wealthy Romans loved to put on everything. The thing is, the process uses lead specifically because other materials won't do - copper and iron leave an aftertaste, while lead vessels actually make it sweeter, as lead ~~itself~~ acetate is slightly sweet.
What's a little harmless poison in your condiments, after all?
The explanation is practically perfect, so focusing on two small tidbits:
Defrutum is not a jelly, it's more like a syrup: grape juice reduced to a half of its volume, to concentrate flavours and as a preservation method. I'm almost sure that it was available for a wide range of people, not just wealthy ones.
(It's also easy to prepare at home. And as long as you do it in a normal cooking pot it's completely safe. Great to use over vanilla ice cream.)
Lead itself isn't sweet; lead acetate is. There's a bit of acetic acid even in grape juice, and as you boil it in the lead container both things react together.
Details and extra information like this are why I come to these topics.