![]() Given we are in the winter months, John's thoughts on pepper are particularly relevant: Hot and dry in a high degree; of approv'd Vertue against all flatulency proceeding from cold and phlegmatic Constitutions, and generally all Crudities whatsoever; and therefore for being of universal use to correct and temper the cooler Herbs; It is a never to be omitted Ingredient of our Sallets. He gives a firm warning though as he states if you grind pepper too small it sticks in the folds of the stomach resulting in fire of the blood and a cardialgium (heartburn). Basically, it's a fine line between curing wind and needed a hefty dose of Gaviscon. Go easy with that pestle and mortar folks...
2 Comments
Kate Harrison
11/2/2014 01:20:47 pm
Apparently Sir John Evelyn was also a tutor to Tsar Peter the Great. How did he find the time for gardening?
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Tom Veg Men
20/2/2014 10:34:42 am
Sir John was definitely an over-acheiver! I'd like to think he wasn't a bore with it though as he writes with verve and is never condescending. I'm betting he would be great company in the pub.
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