Zythum
(Egyptian) zythos (Template:Lang-el, Template:Lang-he (mnemonic)), or zythum (Latinized form), is a type of beverage, used as both a recreational alcoholic beverage and as a medicine. The word zythos is a Greek version of an Egyptian word for beer[1].
The recipe is mentioned in the Third Tractate (Pesahim) of the Babylonian Talmud.[2]
According to Rav Yosef, 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. Karet is not applicable to its consumption.
References
- ^ Marcus Jastrow. A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature. Vol. 2.
- ^ Norman Solomon, ed. (2009). "Third Tractate Pesahim (The Passover)". The Talmud: A Selection. Penguin. pp. 148, 150. ISBN 9780141441788.
External links
- Zythos, Hellenica
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