How did the ancient Romans make grape juice?

The ancient Romans were known for their love of wine, but they also enjoyed grape juice, which they called mustum. While we don't have precise recipes from that era, we can piece together how they likely made it based on archaeological evidence, literary sources, and later Roman recipes.

Here's a probable process:

Harvesting and Crushing:

* Harvest: Grapes were harvested at peak ripeness, likely in late summer or early autumn.

* Crushing: The grapes were crushed, often by foot in large vats, to release the juice. They might have used a press for larger operations, similar to modern wine presses.

Fermentation Control:

* Mustum: The freshly crushed juice was called *mustum* and was likely the main source of grape juice enjoyed by the Romans.

* Unfermented: To prevent fermentation, the mustum was often heated, boiled, or treated with substances like sulfur dioxide or charcoal to inhibit the growth of yeast. This process was crucial for producing a non-alcoholic beverage.

Sweetening and Flavoring:

* Honey and Spices: Mustum was often sweetened with honey and spiced with herbs like mint, rosemary, or cinnamon.

* Preservation: To preserve the juice, Romans would add honey, sometimes up to 25% of the volume, or boil the mustum for extended periods, creating a concentrated juice known as *sapa*.

Enjoying Mustum:

* Drink: Mustum was likely consumed fresh, especially in summer, and often enjoyed mixed with water for refreshment.

* Food: It was also used as a sweetener for cooking and baking.

* Medicinal: The Romans believed mustum had medicinal properties, particularly for treating digestive issues.

Important Note:

* Wine: While the focus was on making non-alcoholic juice, the Romans also produced wine. Fermentation would happen naturally if the mustum was left to stand for long enough, producing a variety of wines from sweet to dry.

In summary, the ancient Romans crafted grape juice using a combination of crushing, heat treatment, and flavoring techniques to create a refreshing and sweet beverage.