The Oldest Contenders for the First Dessert
While the concept of a dedicated 'dessert course' is a relatively recent Western invention, the human craving for sweets is ancient. Several recipes and historical anecdotes point to the earliest forms of dessert, but determining the absolute 'first' is a culinary challenge. Two primary candidates often emerge from historical records and folklore: the Mesopotamian sweetmeat Mersu and the Turkish pudding Aşure.
Mersu: The Mesopotamian Date and Pistachio Sweet
Around 4,000 years ago, in the ancient city of Mari, a recipe for a sweet treat called Mersu was inscribed on a clay tablet. This Babylonian confection, likely prepared for royalty like King Zimri-Lim, was made primarily from mashed dates and pistachios. Historical recreations suggest a dense, sticky ball, though variations might have included flour, fat, and even unexpected spices like coriander or garlic. The existence of designated episat mersi (makers of mersu) indicates a specialized and valued role for these ancient confectioners.
Aşure: Noah's Pudding
Turkish folklore suggests an even older origin for Aşure, or Noah's Pudding. Legend has it that after weeks on the ark, Noah and his family combined all their remaining ingredients into one large pot to make a hearty pudding. This would make Aşure potentially the first dessert, though its origins are tied more to myth than verifiable historical records. In modern form, Aşure is a rich pudding made with grains like wheat berries, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, symbolizing unity and bounty. The practice of sharing it with neighbors and friends continues today.
Egyptian Honey Cakes
Ancient Egypt also provides strong evidence of early desserts. Around 2000 BCE, Egyptians were baking honey cakes, often sweetened with honey and mixed with fruits or nuts. Some funerary discoveries of these preserved cakes, dating back to 2251 BCE, suggest they were used as offerings to the dead, symbolizing rebirth and immortality. These early forms, while simple, showcase the use of natural sugars and grains in the creation of sweet confections.
The Subjectivity of "Best"
Determining the "best" dessert is far more challenging, as taste is entirely subjective. A recent poll by an Instagram page crowned tiramisu the "best dessert in the world," but such polls are not representative of global tastes. What one culture finds delightful, another might not, and this has been true throughout history.
For example, while a modern palate might find Mersu's texture and simplicity appealing, it's a stark contrast to a contemporary triple-chocolate mousse cake. Similarly, Aşure's unique combination of beans and fruit is a divisive flavor profile, yet it is cherished within its cultural context. This highlights the problem with naming a single "best," as it ignores the vast culinary diversity and historical evolution of sweets.
The Evolution of Desserts Over Time
- Ancient Period (circa 4000 BCE onward): Early sweets focused on naturally available sweeteners like honey and dates. Treats were often simple confections of fruit, nuts, and grain.
- Middle Ages (c. 5th–15th century): Sugar arrived in Europe via the Crusades but was an expensive luxury, reserved for the wealthy and used sparingly. Sugar-based confections and marzipan became symbols of status.
- 17th Century: The availability of cheaper sugar from New World plantations transformed desserts. Cookbooks dedicated to sweets emerged, and the concept of serving dessert at the end of a meal became common.
- 19th Century and Beyond: The Industrial Revolution introduced mass-produced foodstuffs, and technological advancements like baking powder and reliable ovens led to the creation of modern cakes, cookies, and other elaborate desserts.
A Comparison of Ancient Dessert Candidates
| Feature | Mersu (Mesopotamia) | Aşure (Turkey/Middle East) | Egyptian Honey Cakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate Origin | ~4,000 years ago | Mythological origin, ancient tradition | ~2,000 BCE |
| Primary Ingredients | Dates, pistachios, possibly flour/fat | Wheat, legumes, dried fruits, nuts | Honey, flour, fruits, nuts |
| Form | Dense, sticky ball or pastry | Porridge or pudding | Bread-like cake |
| Cultural Context | Royal delicacy, high status food | Symbolic of unity and bounty, celebratory | Funerary offering, symbolic of immortality |
| Historical Evidence | Written clay tablets | Oral tradition, long-standing custom | Preserved archaeological finds |
The Enduring Allure of Sweets
The story of the first dessert is not a linear one. It is a mosaic of different cultures, ingredients, and beliefs, all tied together by the universal desire for something sweet at the end of a meal. While we may never definitively answer the question of what is the world's first best dessert, the journey of discovering these ancient confections is a culinary delight in itself. The Mesopotamian date balls, the Turkish Noah's pudding, and the Egyptian honey cakes each offer a unique taste of history, reminding us that the love for dessert has been a constant throughout human civilization.
For a deeper look into the history of food, including the oldest recorded recipes, consider visiting Eats History.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, the pursuit of the "world's first best dessert" is a fascinating exercise in culinary history. Ancient Mesopotamian Mersu holds the title for the oldest recorded recipe, while Aşure claims its place through myth. Yet, the real answer is that the concept of dessert has evolved over millennia, and the "best" remains a matter of personal preference and cultural heritage. What is clear is that the pleasure of a sweet treat is a joy humanity has shared for thousands of years, long before the elaborate creations we enjoy today were ever conceived.
