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…
