Globi

In ancient Rome, what we now know as donuts were called Globi. These delicious fried pastries, with a history spanning over two millennia, serve as evidence that humanity's love for sweet treats dates back to ancient times. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to learn about the ancestor of this beloved donut.

Globi: The Donut of the Roman Empire

Globi were made by mixing flour, water, eggs, and milk together. The mixture was then shaped into small, spherical balls and fried in oil until golden brown and appetizing. Once cooked, they were generously drizzled with honey and topped with poppy seeds, nuts, or various spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, to enhance their unique flavor and aroma.

Throughout history, Globi enjoyed immense popularity among Romans, from the working class to the wealthy elite. Romans commonly consumed them during the Saturnalia festival, a celebration honoring Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture. In Roman mythology, Saturn represented the deity of cultivation, and Globi had a spherical shape resembling the planet Saturn. For these reasons, Romans traditionally ate Globi during this festival, symbolizing good fortune and abundance.

Spread and Evolution

As the Roman Empire expanded, the influence of Globi spread with it, gradually disseminating throughout Europe. It underwent various evolutions, with each region adapting the recipe to suit local tastes and readily available ingredients. For instance, some variations might include fillings such as fruits, cheese, meats, and different types of vegetables, adding variety and distinct flavors.

The earliest mentions of Globi were discovered in De Agricultura, the oldest surviving work by the famous Greek poet Cato the Elder, and in the Roman cookbook De Re Coquinaria by Apicius. These texts provide recipes for the original Globi version, allowing food historians to confirm the existence of Globi in that era, serving as crucial evidence of this fried pastry in ancient Roman civilization.

The Legacy of Globi: The Birth of Modern Donuts

The existence of Globi in ancient Rome led to the development of various forms of donuts we see today. These include Zeppole from Italy, a spherical fried pastry similar to Globi, to Beignets, a lighter French-style fried pastry, and even the modern hole-in-the-middle donuts sold in bakeries and coffee shops worldwide.

Therefore, Globi is more than just an ancient fried pastry; it represents the culinary evolution that connects the past with the present. It stands as a testament to the long-standing presence of delicious sweet treats in human history, continuously evolving without end. At Rimping Supermarket, we offer a wide array of high-quality ingredients, from flour and honey to various spices, ready for you to try creating ancient-style fried pastries of your own, or choose from a diverse selection of modern donuts to experience the flavors passed down from antiquity to today.