Description
Moretum is a Roman cheese-based condiment prepared by grinding cheese, herbs, and spices with a pestle and mortar, then emulsifying with olive oil and vinegar.
Technical
The process relies on mechanical disruption of cheese to release casein and whey proteins, which act as natural emulsifiers, stabilizing the oil–vinegar mixture. The acidic environment from vinegar lowers the isoelectric point of the proteins, enhancing their surface activity. The resulting emulsion is a stable oil-in-water system that preserves volatile flavor compounds.
Science
Primary Reaction
Emulsion formation (oil-in-water)
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
garlickyherbaceouscheesyvinegaryolive oilearthypungentfresh herbsumamisharp