Food

**__ Middle Ages Food __** by Connor Blandford   __**How People Ate**__ People of the Middle Ages had their own knife with their initials engraved on it to eat with. When people used their knife to cut a piece of meat they would then use their hands to eat it. In the Middle Ages people did not have forks and rarely used spoons.

__**Food for the Upper Class**__ The people of the upper class usually ate foods that were heavily spiced and very expensive. The reason for this is because most of the upper class was just introduced to spices and were just introduced to them. The upper class also ate some of the finest meats such as venison (deer meat), boar, and rabbit. They also ate a variety of birds such as goose, partridges, and heron. The upper class had chefs to cook the birds on spits over the fireplaces in the castle. The birds where spiced and served at feasts or just for a regular meal.

The poorer people or the peasants did not have the luxury of all the spices the richer people had. The poor people ate cabbage, cauliflower, and turnips for their main vegetable. Lower class member ate meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. These meats were less expensive than some of the birds the upper class ate.  __** Drink **__ People of both classes drank similar drinks. Drinks such as mead (alcohol), cider, ale, wine, and milk were very common in most households. The upper class however liked to drink beverages that were spiced just like their food. Since the lower class did not have enough money for spice they just drank what was available. Water was a necessity but however it was not as clean as you might think. That is a reason that people of the Middle Ages drank more liquor than water.
 * __Food for the Lower Class__**

**__ Preservation of Food __** In the Middle Ages preservation of meats and fruits was key to survive through the long winter months. Most of the meats were heavily salted to stay fresh. The meat was ready to be eaten after it had been soaked and let dry. Fruits on the other hand were preserved with honey and gave the fruit a different taste.
 * __ Times Food Served __**
 * __ Breakfast __** - Food and drink generally served between 6 -7.
 * __ Dinner __** - Food and drink generally served at noon between 12 - 2.
 * __ Supper __** - Was an important meal and food and drink were generally served between 6 -7 and accompanied by entertainment.

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