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What Did the Rich Eat in Medieval Times?
Wealthy nobles loved meat, but they loved dessert more
Today, a healthy diet includes lots of vegetables, fruit, and perhaps the absence of meat and sugary desserts. But to a medieval lord, that would not only be a sign of disrespect to his guests, but it would also bring shame to his name.
Medieval diets in the upper strata of society revolved around showing off and displaying extravagance. Other than a pompous outfit, it was one of the few ways that people could impress others.
Showing off at the dinner table meant having expensive and fancy food. Bread was so common that serving it plain was considered poor form. Instead, a medieval lord’s table would consist of a range of meats, desserts with enriched dough, and plenty of imported spices.
Peasants couldn’t afford these, so the more rare and exotic your dishes, the better your standing among your peers.
They Had an Abundance of Meat
Although chicken today is considered food for the masses, they were a valuable asset during the medieval era, and to slaughter, an egg-laying hen would be considered very extravagant.
It would almost be like saying to your guests that you were so wealthy, you could simply buy another. In terms of how the chicken was cooked, it would often be stuffed with herbs and other condiments.
Fish was expensive, particularly in inland areas, but it was a common choice for ‘fish days’ when the church declared no meat could be eaten. Fish was not considered meat, so the upper classes would enjoy it as a delicacy.
Another source of meat came from hunting. It was an essential part of medieval noble life, and a successful hunt would lead to the serving of venison which was popular. However, unlike today, medieval chefs did not waste any part of the animal.
Prime cuts would be given to the nobility, with other cuts being given to those of lower status. Retainers and household staff would sometimes be offered the innards of deer in an umble pie.
Swans, peacocks, and other fowls were also highly prized. Of course, many of these would be reserved for kings as they would be too expensive…
