Punic (Phoenician) Groats - Cato

Punic is another adjective for Carthage, coming from a word meaning "purple." Their ancestors, the Phoenicians, whose Greek name also comes from a word meaning "purple," were famous for the Tyrian purple dye they sold, and which color has ever after been associated with royalty in the west.

The groats would have been whole emmer wheat.

For Punic Porridge; soak 1 lb of groats in water until soft.
When soft, pour into a clean bowl, and add 3 lbs of cheese, 1/2 lb of honey, and one egg.
Mix everything, and place it in a new pot.
- Cato, de agricultura, 85

Review of modern recreation: Punic Porridge was certainly a rich porridge, thanks to the egg and the significant quantities of cheese used in its preparation. Because Ricotta is very mild, however, there was no 'cheesy' flavour to the dish. If anything, the dominant flavours are that of the semolina and the honey.