[Sca-cooks] Semi-OTL what to do with rue?

[Stefan li Rous]

Gwen commented:

<<< Rue is an old remedy for stomach distress in Mexico (probably  
goes a lot further back than 15thC) as well as steeped in vinegar for  
headaches according to the Leechbook of Bald.  It was always reputed  
to be an ingredient in the famous "Four Thieves Vinegar" along with a  
number of other herbs and also common spices. >>>

Okay, what famous "Four Thieves Vinegar'? I've not heard of this before.

<<< Rue is not a herb that would be used culinarily by most cooks  
once it is tasted. >>>

Are you talking about modern or medieval cooks here? It does show up  
in quite a number of medieval food recipes and herb mixes. Using the  
search engine in the Florilegium turns up a large number of references.

It is bitter, but I think the main reason rue is shied away from by  
modern cooks, even those recreating medieval recipes, is the concern  
that it can act as an abortificant. It is also not commonly available  
and takes a bit of searching to find.

Stefan
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
    Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas           
StefanliRous at austin.rr.com
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****