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Researchers have found a 2,000-year-old curry recipe

Ivan PetricevicbyIvan Petricevic
July 25, 2023 - Updated on January 20, 2024
in Ancient Civilizations
On the surface of this footed sandstone grinding slab, researchers have identified ancient starch grains from ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.), and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Credit: Khanh Trung Kien Nguyen.

On the surface of this footed sandstone grinding slab, researchers have identified ancient starch grains from ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.), and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Credit: Khanh Trung Kien Nguyen.

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In what is perhaps a rather strange discovery, a group of researchers has found a 2,000-year-old curry recipe.

The diverse, aromatic flavors of curry that spice up our dinner tables trace back centuries, spanning various cultures and continents. Recent research reveals an intriguing history of spice trading, even shedding light on the oldest known curry recipe outside India.

Researchers unearthed evidence suggesting curry-making was prevalent in Southeast Asia about 2,000 years ago, specifically in southern Vietnam’s Oc Eo archaeological site. Eight distinct spices were discovered, some having traversed thousands of kilometers via sea, contributing to a tantalizing ancient curry blend.

 A 2,000-Year-Old Curry Recipe

Originally investigating the ancient spice trade and the use of “pesani” grinding tools, the researchers turned their attention to curry upon discovering the various spices. By analyzing starch grains using microscopic remains from the grinding tools, they unearthed precious insights into historical food processing and spice use.

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From the 40 tools analyzed, a dozen revealed traces of various spices, including turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Dating of charcoal and wood samples associated with the site established the Oc Eo complex’s occupation between the 1st and 8th centuries CE.

Bridging the Spice Trade Gap

Previously, the ancient curry evidence was mainly centered around India, while information on the early spice trade came from ancient Indian, Chinese, and Roman documents. This study offers tangible confirmation that spices were globally traded and treasured commodities nearly two millennia ago.

Several spices discovered at Oc Eo required transportation from far-flung regions across the Indian or Pacific Ocean, testifying to curry’s intriguing history beyond India. The laborious preparation process suggests a deep appreciation and desire for curry flavors, even outside of India, around 2,000 years ago.

Time-Tested Tastes

Remarkably, the curry recipe used in contemporary Vietnam shares key components like turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and coconut milk with the ancient Oc Eo version, a testament to the enduring allure of a well-crafted recipe.

This investigation primarily centered on microscopic plant remains. Further analyses of preserved seeds collected during the excavation could reveal additional spices or unique plant species, enhancing our understanding of the region’s culinary past and potentially shedding more light on the early global spice trade.

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Ivan Petricevic

Ivan Petricevic

I've been writing passionately about ancient civilizations, history, alien life, and various other subjects for more than eight years. You may have seen me appear on Discovery Channel's What On Earth series, History Channel's Ancient Aliens, and Gaia's Ancient Civilizations among others.

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