Middle Ages Drink The people of the Middle Ages enjoyed to drink, and as water was often unclean, it was a necessity. The poor drank ale, mead or cider and the rich were able to drink many different types of wines Middle Ages Drink Middle Ages Food - RecipeBooks The French produced the first Recipe books. In 1306 ‘The Little Treatise’ was written. The first English cookery book was written in 1390 called 'The Forme of Cury' which consisted of nearly 200 recipes 196 recipes contributed by the Royal cooks. Facts and information about the different types of foods eaten during the Middle Ages Medieval period including the meat, fruit, fish and bread. The Influence of the Normans on Middle Ages Food The Normans were influenced by French food and also Scandinavian food. The Normans were known to document recipes although generally they passed form the master cook to the apprentice. The tastes of the Norman nobility were far more sophisticated than the English. The Normans also enjoyed feasts and special occasions when lavish meals and food could be served. The Influence of the Crusades on Middle Ages Food The influence of the Crusades had a startling effect on Middle Ages Food. Kings, Knights, Lords and other crusaders had travelled 3000 miles to reach the Holy Lands. And during their travels they were introduced to the spices which were added to different foods by different cultures. These new ideas about Middle Ages food were brought back by the Crusaders and new foods and spices were introduced to the European menu. A culture change influences Middle Ages Food The elegance of the Far East, with its silks, tapestries, precious stones, perfumes, spices, pearls, and ivory, was so enchanting that an enthusiastic crusader called it "the vestibule of Paradise". A change in culture started to emerge. Travel certainly broadened the mind of the Crusaders who developed a new and unprecedented interest in beautiful objects and elegant manners. It must be remembered that the preparation of Middle Ages Food was of special interest to the women of the era, many of whom accompanied men on the Crusades. The preparation and content of Middle Ages food underwent a 'sea change - into something rich and strange'. A change in the economy influenced Middle Ages Food The economy of the Middle Ages changed. Various goods were exported from the Far East including spices. It became a status symbol to serve food with herbs and spices. As they were exported, these spices were expensive. The differences of The Middle Ages Food consumed by the Upper and Lower Classes changed significantly. The poor could not afford the new range of spices. Middle Ages Food varied according to status and according to the Middle Ages period. And in the early Middle Ages era even meat was a sign of wealth. Middle Ages Food and the Black Death The amount of food available in the Middle Ages world changed in 1328. The Black Death spread across Europe with devastating effect. The population of the Middle Ages dropped - the Black Death claimed a third of the World's population and 200 million people died. The Black Death reached England by 1346 and ravaged the land for nearly 60 years. The Black Death resulted in a far smaller population, more food was available and even the poor were able to eat meat. Middle Ages Food Each section of this Middle Ages website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about these great monuments to bygone times. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of Middle Ages! Middle Ages Food- Middle Ages Food fit for a King - Banquets
- Meat, Fish, vegetables, Fruit, Game and Fish consumed during the Medieval era of the Middle Ages
- Different types of bread available
- The use of spices during the Middle Ages
- Changes of culture and economy
- The effect of the crusades and the Black Death on Middle Ages food
- Drinks in the Middle Ages
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