![]() The Black Death resulted in a far smaller population, more food was available and even the poor were able to eat meat. The Black Death reached England by 1346 and ravaged the land for nearly 60 years. 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 spread across Europe with devastating effect. The amount of food available in the world changed in 1328. And in the early Middle Ages era even meat was a sign of wealth. Food varied according to status and according to the Middle Ages period. The poor could not afford the new range of spices. The differences of The Medieval Food consumed by the Upper and Lower Classes changed significantly. As they were exported, these spices were expensive. It became a status symbol to serve food with herbs and spices. Various goods were exported from the Far East including spices. ![]() The preparation and content of Medieval Food underwent a 'sea change - into something rich and strange'. It must be remembered that the preparation of Medieval Food was of special interest to the women of the era, many of whom accompanied men on the Crusades. Travel certainly broadened the mind of the Crusaders who developed a new and unprecedented interest in beautiful objects and elegant manners. 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". These new ideas about Medieval Food were brought back by the Crusaders and new foods and spices were introduced to the European menu.Ī society change influences Medieval Food And during their travels they were introduced to the spices which were added to different foods by different cultures. Kings, Knights, Lords and other crusaders had travelled 3000 miles to reach the Holy Lands. The influence of the Crusades had a startling effect on Middle Ages Food. The Normans also enjoyed feasts and special occasions when lavish meals and food could be served. The tastes of the Norman nobility were far more sophisticated than the English. ![]() The Normans were known to document recipes although generally they passed form the master cook to the apprentice. The Normans were influenced by French food and also Scandinavian food. New spices such as Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Ginger, Saffron, Cardamom, Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Mace, Anise, Caraway and Mustard were being introduced by the crusaders from the East and included in Middle Ages Recipes. Facts and information about the different types of foods eaten during the times including the meat, fruit, fish, game birds and bread. 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. In 1306 ‘The Little Treatise’ was written. The French produced the first Recipe books. The poor drank ale, mead or cider and the rich were able to drink many different types of wines. The people of the Middle Ages enjoyed to drink, and as water was often unclean, it was a necessity. Facts and Information about Food in the Middle Ages
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