What did the Irish eat before they had potatoes?

Until the arrival of the potato in the 16th century, grains such as oats, wheat and barley, cooked either as porridge or bread, formed the staple of the Irish diet.

What did Europeans eat before the New World was discovered?

“Europe had a much richer variety of food than the Americas. We already had plenty of grains like wheat, rice, millet, rye and barley, so corn did not have that much impact, except to the poor. We also had domesticated animals, which we introduced to the Americas, plus plenty of fruits and vegetables.”

Did medieval Europe have potatoes?

Did they have potatoes? No. Potatoes originated in the Americas, and were therefore unavailable in Europe before 1492.

What did Northern European ancestors eat?

Those living on the seacoast ate mostly cod. But they also consumed herring, pollock, haddock, dogfish and plaice. The scientists did not turn up many traces of migrating fish species such as eel and salmon.

What did the Celts eat?

What did the Celts eat?

• Hunting animals such as wild boar.
• Raising livestock – cattle, sheep, and pigs.
• Farming root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and onions.
• Foraging for wild herbs like sorrel, garlic, and fennel.
• Fishing for things like trout and mackerel.
• Beekeeping to get honey for sweet treats and mead!

What foods did the Europeans introduced to the New World?

Over time, new crops were introduced to the Americas, including wheat, rice, barley, oats, coffee, sugar cane, citrus fruits, melons and Kentucky bluegrass. The introduction of wheat was of particular significance. For thousands of years, bread had been a central part of the European diet.

What did Europeans eat in 1600s?

Poor and rich alike enjoyed pottage, with peasants using inexpensive grains and vegetables like beans, peas and lentils, or acorns foraged from nature. The wealthy class enhanced their pottage with more expensive ingredients such as bacon, jelly and eggs.

What did they eat in England before potatoes?

Turnips, cabbages, and various breads made up the bulk of the common diet. These would be eaten alone — if you were poor — or in combination with cheeses, milk, meat — if you had an animal or could afford to buy it.

When did Europe get potatoes?

The humble potato was domesticated in the South American Andes some 8,000 years ago and was only brought to Europe in the mid-1500s, from where it spread west and northwards, back to the Americas, and beyond.

When were potatoes brought to England?

The potato has since spread around the world and has become a staple crop in many countries. It arrived in Europe sometime before the end of the 16th century by two different ports of entry: the first in Spain around 1570, and the second via the British Isles between 1588 and 1593.

What did the average European eat before potatoes?

Such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, sugar. But were way beyond the means of the average peasant in Europe. Bread, butter and stew (or porridge) were what most Europeans ate before the potato became so popular. Occasionally a biscuit or cake sweetened with honey.

What is the history of the potato?

History of Potatoes. In the beginning, Spanish government used potato as a reliable and easily transported food for their military and navy who while using them did not succumb to the scurvy. Potato arrived to Britain in 1585, Belgium and Germany in 1587, Austria in 1588, Ireland in 1589 and France in 1600.

Why did Europeans not eat potatoes in South America?

Europeans in South America were aware of the potato by the mid-16th century, but refused to eat the plant. For the Spaniards the potato was regarded as a food for the natives: the Spanish conquerors speak most favourably of the potato but they recommend it especially for the natives who have to do the heaviest jobs.

Why did Spain use the potato as a military food?

In the beginning, Spanish government used potato as a reliable and easily transported food for their military and navy who while using them did not succumb to the scurvy. Potato arrived to Britain in 1585, Belgium and Germany in 1587, Austria in 1588, Ireland in 1589 and France in 1600.