Egyptian zythos

(Egyptian) zythos (Greek: ζῦθος, Hebrew: sisni‎ (mnemonic)), Latinised as zythum), is a type of beverage used as both a recreational alcoholic beverage and as a medicine. The word zythos is the Greek version of an Egyptian word for beer.[1]

The recipe is mentioned in the third tractate of the Babylonian Talmud (42b).[2]

According to Rav Yosef b. Hiyya, it contains 1⁄3 barley, 1⁄3 safflower seed and 1⁄3 salt. Rav Papa substituted wheat for barley. The ingredients are steeped, roasted and ground before drinking.

Drinking zythos is dangerous for sick people and for pregnant women. It works as both a laxative and an antidiarrhoeal.

It is forbidden during Passover because it contains barley, thus making it chametz, although the punishment of kareth is not applicable to its consumption.

References

  1. ↑ Marcus Jastrow. A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature 2.
  2. ↑ Norman Solomon, ed. (2009). "Third Tractate Pesahim (The Passover)". The Talmud: A Selection. Penguin. pp. 148, 150. ISBN 978-0-14-144178-8.

External links


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