What Was Medieval Junk Food Like?

Summary

This video explores the intriguing origins of medieval junk food, highlighting how foods we enjoy today evolved from their historical counterparts. From meat pies and waffles to early forms of pizza and mac and cheese, the script reveals the often unappetizing realities of these dishes in medieval times. With a mix of surprising ingredients and preparation methods, such as perpetual stew and custard made with bone marrow, the video illustrates the resourcefulness of past societies. The narrative invites viewers to reconsider their favorite snacks in light of their historical context, showcasing how tastes and food practices have transformed over centuries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medieval cook shops served as the fast food joints of their time, selling popular items like meat pies that catered to all classes.
• 🍰 Meat pies varied greatly; while peasants consumed simpler versions, the wealthy indulged in exotic meats, often in thicker, bowl-like crusts.
• 🥞 Waffles, known as 'ooblies,' were originally dry and lacked sugar, served with intricate designs rather than today's familiar grid patterns.
• 🍕 The term 'pizza' dates back to 997 AD, but early versions were simple flatbreads topped with olive oil and herbs, long before tomatoes were introduced.
• 🍪 Cookies were once considered medicinal, with recipes from the 12th century including spices but lacking sugar and fat, making them quite different from modern cookies.
• 🍲 Perpetual stew was a common dish that could be safely consumed over long periods as it was kept simmering, with fresh ingredients regularly added.
• 🥞 Pancakes were a staple indulgence on Shrove Tuesday, but some recipes contained toxic herbs, highlighting the risks of historical cooking.
• 🍮 Custards in the medieval period often included unusual ingredients like bone marrow and were flavored with expensive spices, unlike today's sweeter versions.
• 🧀 Cheesecake's origins trace back to the 14th century, with early recipes using cottage cheese and unique flavors, often recommended for specific social occasions.
• 🌭 Sausages were widely consumed, with various regional recipes, and were a convenient food enjoyed by all social classes, maintaining popularity through the ages.

Q & A

What were medieval meat pies commonly made of?

Medieval meat pies were typically filled with various meats such as pork, beef, rabbit, and sometimes more exotic options like swan or porpoise, depending on social class.

How did waffles differ in the Middle Ages compared to today?

Medieval waffles, called ooblies, were larger, thinner, lacked sugar, and were more akin to dry crackers. They featured decorative patterns, often with religious symbols, instead of the modern grid pattern.

What was the historical significance of pizza in the Middle Ages?

The first recorded use of the word 'pizza' dates back to 997 AD, referring to a simple flatbread rather than the cheese-topped dish we know today, as tomatoes were not introduced to Europe until later.

What were cookies considered in the 12th century?

Cookies were seen as medicinal treats called 'cookies of Joy,' believed to dispel evil and melancholy, and were made with healthy ingredients but without sugar or butter.

What is 'Perpetual Stew' and how was it made?

Perpetual Stew was a continuous pot of stew that could last for weeks or even months, as new ingredients were regularly added, preventing spoilage while enhancing flavor.

What were the ingredients in medieval pancakes and their unique dangers?

Medieval pancakes were made with eggs, flour, and sometimes wine, but a dangerous herb called tanies, which is toxic, was occasionally added, leading to severe health risks.

How did custards differ in medieval times compared to today?

Medieval custards often included unusual ingredients like bone marrow for added fat, and were sometimes colored with natural substances like sandalwood and blood.

What was the origin of pretzels and their cultural significance?

Pretzels are believed to have originated around the 7th century and were linked to Christian symbolism, representing the Holy Trinity, and were used as good luck charms in weddings.

What early form of mac and cheese existed in the Middle Ages?

The earliest form of mac and cheese in the Middle Ages involved layering pasta with cheese, resembling a lasagna more than modern mac and cheese.

What was the purpose of mock eggs during fasting periods?

Mock eggs were created to imitate real eggs and were made from almond milk-based jelly and dyed to resemble eggs, allowing people to feel a semblance of normalcy during restrictive fasting.