What did RICH PEOPLE EAT in medieval times?
TLDRThe video script offers a fascinating exploration into the world of high-status medieval cuisine, fit for a Duke or even a King. It delves into the etiquette and presentation of food in medieval times, highlighting the significance of bread as a symbol of status, with the wealthy using square pewter plates instead of the traditional trencher bread. The script discusses the consumption of red spiced wine, known as Hippocrates, and the serving of dishes like custard tart colored with expensive saffron, chicken which was considered extravagant due to its impact on the egg supply, and venison from deer hunted on noble lands. The meal's presentation is a testament to the social status and wealth of the diners, with a focus on sharing and charity. The video also contrasts medieval dining with modern convenience foods, such as a British Army ration pack, emphasizing the time, effort, and knowledge required to prepare medieval meals. The host's enthusiasm for the flavors and combination of spices with sweetness in the medieval dishes is evident, providing viewers with a rich, historical gastronomic experience.
Takeaways
- 🏺 High status food in the medieval period was considered fit for a king, indicating the extravagance and luxury of the meal.
- 🍞 The use of a square pewter plate, or 'trencher,' represented a high status, as it was a more sophisticated version of the traditional bread trencher.
- 🍷 Red spiced wine, named 'Hippocrates,' was a form of medieval mulled wine that could be served warm or cold, reflecting the preferences of the time.
- 🌾 It was considered bad form for high-status individuals to eat bread, as it was seen as charity to give it to the poor, showcasing the social norms of the era.
- 🟡 The presence of a custard tart on the plate, colored with expensive saffron, was a display of wealth and status, as saffron was more expensive than gold.
- 🐔 Eating chicken was an extravagant act in medieval times, as it involved killing a valuable part of one's livestock and reducing the supply of eggs.
- 🦌 Venison, or meat from a deer, was a high-status food that was often hunted by nobles themselves, indicating the importance of the hunt in noble social life.
- 🍽️ The division of meat cuts according to the status of the guests was a common practice, with prime cuts going to high-status individuals and lesser cuts to those of lower status.
- 🧼 Perfumed water was used for hand-washing before meals, reflecting the emphasis on hygiene in the medieval dining experience.
- 🍰 The combination of spicy meat with sweet elements, such as custard tart, was a favored taste profile in medieval cuisine.
- 📚 The existence of cookery books from the 14th century, like 'Form of Cury,' provides insight into the culinary sophistication and status of the time.
- ⚖️ The shift from the medieval understanding of food based on the humors to the modern focus on vitamins, minerals, and balanced nutrition marks a significant change in dietary philosophy.
Q & A
What is the significance of the square plate in the context of high status dining?
-The square plate represents a piece of bread that was used in earlier times. As status increased, this bread transformed into a square pewter plate, symbolizing high status.
Why was it considered bad form to eat bread during a meal in high status medieval dining?
-Eating bread was seen as charity, as the leftover bread was collected and given to the poor. It was also thought that high status individuals should not eat bread as it was a basic food.
What is the name of the red spiced wine mentioned in the script, and what is it similar to?
-The red spiced wine is called 'Hippocrates', and it is similar to medieval mulled wine.
Why was eating chicken considered extravagant in medieval times?
-Chickens were valuable livestock, and eating one meant killing part of your valuable resource, especially if it was a laying hen, which provided eggs as a food source.
What is the term for the meat from a deer, and how was it typically obtained in medieval times?
-The term for the meat from a deer is 'venison'. It was typically obtained by hunting, often on one's own lands, which was an important part of noble social life during the Middle Ages.
What is the origin of the phrase 'eating humble pie', and what does it refer to?
-The phrase 'eating humble pie' originates from the innards of the deer, known as 'umbles', which were cooked, chopped up, and used in a pie for the lower-status individuals. It symbolizes eating the less desirable parts of the meal.
Why was saffron used to color the custard tart, and what does its color signify?
-Saffron was used to color the custard tart due to its golden yellow color. Its bright color was an important part of the display, signifying wealth and status, as saffron has always been expensive.
How were the hands of a high status individual cleaned before dining in medieval times?
-Before dining, the hands would be washed, and then someone would pour perfumed water over them from a bowl. Afterward, a towel would be provided to dry them, adhering to the medieval hygiene practices.
What is the role of a 'gentleman of the stool' in the context of a Duke's life?
-A 'gentleman of the stool' was an attendant who had the important job of being in private with the Duke, often assisting with personal needs. This was one of the few times the Duke would be almost on his own.
How did the presentation and understanding of food change from the medieval period to modern times?
-The presentation and understanding of food have changed significantly. In the medieval period, the humors (hot, cold, wet, and dry) influenced food choices, whereas today we focus on vitamins, minerals, balanced proteins, and carbohydrates. The medieval food required time, effort, and knowledge to prepare, unlike modern pre-prepared and convenient foods.
What is the 'Form of Cury' and how does it relate to the history of cookery books?
-The 'Form of Cury' is the earliest known cookery book in English, written by the chief cook to Richard II. It is significant because it provides a record of sophisticated dishes prepared for a high-status lord, indicating the importance of culinary arts in displaying status and wealth.
How did the status of an individual influence the way food was served and consumed during a meal in medieval times?
-The status of an individual greatly influenced the way food was served and consumed. Prime cuts of meat were given to those of higher status, while lesser cuts were passed to those of lower status. The level of spices used in cooking could also be adjusted based on the importance of the guests present, as a means of showing off or maintaining a more modest display of wealth.
Outlines
🍽️ High Status Dining in the Middle Ages
This paragraph discusses the concept of high status food, suitable for a king or a duke, and the dining etiquette that accompanied it. It introduces a square pewter plate, representing a piece of bread, and the idea of trencher bread. The paragraph also touches on the practice of not eating bread as a form of charity, as well as the types of food and drink that would be present, such as red spiced wine named 'Hippocrates', enriched bread rolls, a custard tart colored with saffron, and venison from a deer hunt. The importance of the hunt in noble social life and the distribution of meat according to social status is also highlighted. The paragraph concludes with a mention of the medieval practice of washing hands with perfumed water before dining.
🏰 Medieval Etiquette and Culinary Delights
The second paragraph delves into the preparation and enjoyment of venison, which is pan-fried with spices and onions. It discusses the use of spices as a means of showcasing status in medieval times and the combination of flavors, such as the pairing of spicy meat with a bland custard tart. The paragraph also covers the serving of chicken, which was considered extravagant due to the loss of future eggs from the laying hen. The use of ground almonds in sauces and the presence of cookery books from the 14th century are mentioned, providing insight into the culinary sophistication of the era. The discussion includes the role of the 'gentlemen of the stool' and the importance of privacy for powerful men. The paragraph ends with a humorous note about the Duke's privilege to break etiquette rules.
🍲 The Evolution of Food: From Medieval to Modern Rations
The final paragraph contrasts the elaborate and time-consuming preparation of medieval food with the convenience of a modern British Army 24-hour ration pack. It highlights the scientific and nutritional aspects of contemporary military rations, which provide all the necessary calories and nutrients for a soldier. The paragraph also reflects on the changes in food presentation and understanding of nutrition from the medieval period to the present day. It mentions the humoral theory of the medieval times and the preference of the speaker for medieval food, despite its inconvenience. The paragraph concludes with a nod to the enjoyment of medieval cuisine and an invitation for viewers to engage with the content through likes, subscriptions, and notifications.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡High Status Food
💡Trencher
💡Red Spiced Wine (Hippocrates)
💡Munch Eat Bread Rolls
💡Custard Tart
💡Venison
💡Humbles/Humble Pie
💡Medieval Hygiene
💡Etiquette
💡Cookery Books
💡British Army Ration Pack
Highlights
The square pewter plate represents a piece of bread, symbolizing high status as it has become a square plate.
Eating bread was considered bad form as it was seen as charity to give to the poor.
Red spiced wine, named Hippocrates, is a type of medieval mulled wine that could be served warm or cold.
Munch eat bread rolls are made with an enriched dough containing melted butter, representing luxury.
Custard tart on the plate is colored with saffron, which has always been more expensive than gold.
Eating chicken in medieval times was extravagant as it involved killing valuable livestock.
Venison represents wealth as it would have been hunted on one's own lands and involved social status.
The bowl of water was used for hand washing before meals, with perfumed water poured over hands.
Venison is pan-fried with spices and onions, showcasing the importance of spices in medieval cooking.
Custard tart pairs well with the spicy venison, demonstrating the balance of flavors in medieval meals.
The chicken is cooked in stock and stuffed with grapes, representing the extravagance of medieval meals.
The bread sauce is made with ground almonds, highlighting the use of nuts in high status cookery.
The Form of Cury is the earliest known cookery book in English, written by the chief cook to Richard II.
Medieval food took time and effort to prepare, requiring knowledge and skill.
The British Army 24-hour ration pack provides a stark contrast to medieval meals, with a focus on convenience and nutrition.
Medieval meals were not instant and required time to cook, unlike modern pre-prepared meals.
The presenter expresses a preference for medieval food due to personal taste, despite its inconvenience.
Transcripts
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