Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets by John Evelyn
page 58 of 180 (32%)
page 58 of 180 (32%)
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_Garlick_) would cry out upon it as intolerable, and perhaps hardly
believe it: But as _Aristophanes_ has brought it in, and sufficiently describ'd it; so the _Scholiast_ upon the place, puts it out of Controversy: And that they made use both of the _Leaves_, _Stalk_, (and _Extract_ especially) as we now do _Garlick_, and other _Hautgouts_ as nauseous altogether. In the mean time, _Garcius_, _Bontius_, and others, assure us, that the _Indians_ at this day universally sauce their Viands with it; and the _Bramins_ (who eat no Flesh at all) inrich their _Sallets_, by constantly rubbing the Dishes with it. Nor are some of our own skilful _Cooks_ Ingnorant, how to condite and use it, with the Applause of those, who, ignorant of the Secret, have admir'd the richness of the Gust it has imparted, when it has been substituted instead of all our _Cipollati_, and other seasonings of that Nature. And thus have we done with the various _Species_ of all such _Esculents_ as may properly enter the Composition of our _Acetaria_, and cold _Sallet_. And if I have briefly touch'd upon their Natures, Degrees, and _primary Qualities_, which _Intend_ or _Remit_, as to the Scale of _Heat_, _Cold_, _Driness_, _Moisture_, &c. (which is to be understood according to the different Texture of their _component Particles_) it has not been without what I thought necessary for the Instruction of the _Gatherer_, and _Sallet-Dresser_; how he ought to choose, sort, and mingle his Materials and Ingredients together. What Care and Circumspection should attend the choice and collection of _Sallet_ Herbs, has been partly shew'd. I can therefore, by no means, approve of that extravagant Fancy of some, who tell us, that a _Fool_ is as fit to be the _Gatherer_ of a _Sallet_ as a _Wiser_ Man. Because, say they, one can hardly choose amiss, provided the Plants be green, young, and tender, where-ever they meet with them: But sad experience |
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