The Ancient Roots of the Favorite Dessert
When you mention cheesecake, your mind probably wanders to the famous New York version or the delicate Japanese tart. However, this dessert has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times.
Early Manifestations: Plakous of Ancient Greece
The concept of cheesecake originates in Ancient Greece, where cheesecakes were prepared more than 4,000 years ago. A notable example is plakous, a cake that combined cheese, honey and wheat flour. This delicacy was considered ideal for providing energy, and was offered to athletes during the first Olympic Games.
An Energy Dessert for Athletes
The plakous, with its blend of fresh cheeses and honey, created a dense texture and sweet and sour flavor profile. Although it bears no resemblance to modern cheesecakes, its legacy is undeniable.
Evolution in the Middle Ages: Sambocade
Moving forward in time, we find the sambocade, an English creation from medieval times that can be considered a direct precursor to today’s cheesecake. Recorded in ‘The Forme of Cury’, this cake was made with cottage cheese, cream and elderflowers, lending a floral touch to its flavour.
A Floral Delight from Medieval Cuisine
Sambocade was made with a dough base and was baked until it reached a firm texture. Although the flavour of elderberry may be unfamiliar today, this dessert was highly prized in its time and its combination of ingredients establishes a link with modern cheesecakes.
The Refined Ricotta Tart from Italy
During the Italian Renaissance, the tarte di ricotta emerged, which is considered to be the closest to contemporary versions of cheesecake. Made with ricotta, sugar, egg, and often garnished with lemon and candied fruit, this tart offered a lighter texture and a more sophisticated flavor.
Neapolitan Tradition and its Lasting Influence
Particularly in Naples, ricotta cake remains a popular dessert at celebrations. Its impact on the evolution of cheesecake is undeniable, as it laid the groundwork for many recipes enjoyed around the world.
The Legacy of Cheesecakes Through the Centuries
The three historic cakes – plakous, sambocade and ricotta cake – are significant ancestors of the cheesecake we know today. Their evolution over the centuries has enriched pastry, adapting and transforming into the various versions we enjoy today.
Exploring these ancient recipes is not only a culinary delight, but also a journey through time, where each bite tells the story of a tradition that has endured and evolved throughout history.
