If it were not for salt, pepper, wine and poppy; for better or worse
No civilization could have reached the glory desired by their emperors
Though cooking traditions were born from the indigenous goods
Crusades started over indulgence, the rich spice road and exotic foods
Italians first did not use crushed garlic in their cuisine much
While the French believed red tomatoes had the devil’s touch
Muslims’ diet excludes pork; it is the God’s will they avouch
Unless the meat is cut right the Kosher will never fork; nonesuch
Syrah is delicious; fermented, it uplifts spirits to the heavens
Moreover the seeds’ extract has possible disease fighting qualities
Sold for a fortune when ground in very small quantities
Yet somehow the world prefers black table grapes seedless
Romans drank honey water garnished with fresh fruits for instance
A beverage was not made from concentrate to enhance its quintessence
Cocoa was brought to Europe centuries later; what a sweet happenstance!
Alas, saccharine causes diabetes; briny is the origin of osteoporosis
