What Did People Eat in the Medieval Times?
Legends and folklore surrounding Europe in the Middle Ages bring to mind visions of a joyful and plump king feasting on a turkey leg with his loyal subjects. Movies have perpetuated a vision of savage manners and lack of etiquette, but what was really eaten in medieval times?
Types of Food
The staples of the medieval diet were grains. The poorer classes used barley and rye; wheat was a favorite of nobility. Meat of all varieties was expensive, even for the rich, and usually consisted of wild game as opposed to farm-raised animals. Fruits and vegetables were farmed and eaten seasonally. Most were root vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, onions, or beets.
Preservation
Without refrigeration or canning techniques, preservation of food was necessary in medieval times. Food was preserved by pickling, drying, or packing with salt. Fermentation methods were also used to preserve grains and fruits, resulting in wines and beers.
Cooking Techniques
The technologies to create ovens existed, but they were highly expensive and not available to the masses. Most food in the Middle Ages was cooked over an open flame or in a single pot. Dairy products were churned into butter and cheeses and often served as the protein in any meal. Meat, if available, was sometimes cooked on a skewer.
Dishes
As grain was so important in medieval life, breads and cereals were main dishes at any meal. Many dishes were cooked in a single pot so as not to waste any juices. Savory pies were created using fruits, meat (or fish), eggs, and bread. Dessert custards and tarts were also made.
Spices
Spices were a great luxury in medieval meals. Salt was most popular, both for flavoring and preservation. Expensive spices from the Far East, including pepper, sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, were combined with locally-grown herbs to create new flavors.
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