A millennial tradition
Cheesecake, a delight that has captivated generations, is not limited to the familiar New York style or the delicate Japanese cake. Its history stretches back through the centuries, revealing a rich diversity of preparations dating back to Ancient Greece.
The ancient plakous: precursor in time
More than 4,000 years ago, the Greeks already made a cake called plakous, a mixture of cheese, honey and flour. This dish was not only a delicacy, but was also considered an essential energy food for athletes during the first Olympic Games. Its dense texture and balanced flavor between sweet and salty make it one of the early antecedents of modern cheese desserts.
Food for winners
Plakous exemplifies how food not only serves to nourish the body, but can also play a role in society’s culture and traditions.
Sambocade: the medieval connection
Later, in medieval England, the sambocade appeared, a cake notable for its combination of fresh curd, cream and elderflowers. Documented in the famous recipe book ‘The Forme of Cury’, this creation represented a significant evolution, incorporating a dough base that made it similar to the cakes we know today.
A floral delicacy
The distinctive flavor of elder may seem strange today, but in its time, sambocade was considered a delicacy, a true testament to medieval culinary ingenuity.
Ricotta: the birth of the modern cheesecake
During the Italian Renaissance, the ricotta cake became one of the closest predecessors to the contemporary cheesecake. Made with fresh ricotta, sugar, eggs and a touch of lemon zest, this cake offers a light texture and refined flavor that anticipates the characteristics of today’s cheesecake.
A flavor that lasts
Even today, in the Naples region, ricotta cake is a delicacy served at parties, keeping alive the tradition that has influenced cheesecake variants throughout the world.
Legacy of the ‘grandmothers’ of the cheesecake
Ancient creations like plakous, sambocade and ricotta cake are more than just recipes; they are witnesses to a culinary evolution that has left an indelible mark on the history of confectionery. Each of these cakes represents a chapter in a fascinating journey that connects us to the past.
As we enjoy today’s cheesecake, it’s important to remember its roots, where every bite is not only a pleasure, but also a tribute to the culinary traditions that have endured over the years.
