[Sca-cooks] Ambergris

[Suey Lord]

My earlier evidence is as follows (note: Muslim occupation of Iberia was between 711-1492):
>  Usually, it is found floating on the surface of the ocean, sometimes in masses from 60 to 225 lbs. On the Portuguese Atlantic coast, it is abundant. Muslims there imported ambergris from the Algarve and Madagascar. It was highly valued for its fragrance and used in expensive perfumes around the Mediterranean. In al-Andalus, it was used frequently not only in perfumery but in Aphrodisiac products as well. It was added as flavoring to sweets and beverages in the Middle East. The English added it to “Paste-Royal” made with flour, almond milk, butter, sugar and eggs, custards and pancakes. Hispano Arabs used it in incense burners as the fragrance lasted a long time. al-Andalus poets lauded ambergris to the extent that it became the synonym for perfume. Abu Yahya Mu'izz ad-Daula al-Mu'tasim billah (g. 1052-1091), sovereign of Almeria sent the following message to one of his wives by carrier pigeon: “This pigeon will transmit, as proof of my affections, fragrant, perfumed messages with sweet-smelling odor of ‘abir (ambergris).” In 1362, during a reception offered by Muhammad V, the Nazrid Sultan, to inaugurate various new rooms in the Alhambra palace an uprising almost occurred during the responses in unison of the dikr (remembrance of Allah) when they turned into a competition between the elite and the commoners. The incident was quailed by filling the hall with the smoke of “magic” ambergris and then showering the guests with rosewater. The awe as so great that the guests were silenced and the ceremonies resumed. Ambar gris was also used as and antispasmodic and a stimulant. Laguna maintained that it fortified the brain and the heart.  It is so smooth, he continued that it comforts weakened limbs, sharpens understanding and clears foul air. [Alberry. 2001:51: ftn 4; ES: Shamsuddín. “Aromas.” Jul 23, 05; Groundes-Peace. 1971:118; and Laza. 2002:97]
> 
> From: Stefan li Rous <stefanlirous at gmail.com>
> 
> On Mar 14, 2018, at 1:28 PM, David Friedman <ddfr at DAVIDDFRIEDMAN.COM> wrote:
>> 
>> According to the article, its use in cooking started after the end of SCA period.
>> 
>> Anyone here know of earlier evidence?
> 
> Yes, Tudor and Elizabethan cooking. You can buy it today, but you may not be able to import it into the USA.
> Here is what I've been collecting over the years. Includes some sources.
> ambergris-msg (15K) 10/17/13 Use of ambergris in period.
> http://www.florilegium.org/files/PLANTS/ambergris-msg.html
> 
> Stefan
> --------
> THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
>   Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas          StefanliRous at gmail.com
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/marksharris
> **** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****
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