What was life like for a medieval cook?

Medieval Cooks usually prepared their food over an open fire. They sometimes shared communal ovens for everyone on the premises of a town (only later castles and noble houses had stoves and ovens of the own).

What did medieval cooks wear?

The clothing that was worn by medieval cooks included dresses made from wool and cotton along with aprons that covered the entire front of the clothing. They also wore hair coverings like bonnets and hats. Men often wore leggings with a tunic that was also covered by an apron.

What did medieval royals eat?

Barley, oats and rye were eaten by the poor. Wheat was for the governing classes. These were consumed as bread, porridge, gruel and pasta by all of society’s members. Fava beans and vegetables were important supplements to the cereal-based diet of the lower orders.

What did medieval food taste like?

In Mediterranean regions, citrus varieties were common, including lemons, citrons, and bitter oranges. They also enjoyed pomegranates, quince, grapes, and dates. In more northerly climes, apples, pears, plums and strawberries were all available. In northern and central Europe, dairy was ubiquitous.

What did peasants drink?

If a peasants was caught stealing from this, he would face a very severe punishment. The villagers drank water and milk. The water from a river was unpleasant to drink and the milk did not stay fresh for long. The main drink in a medieval village was ale.

Why do chefs wear shoes?

Wearing protective shoes that adequately cover the entire foot is the only way to reduce a chef’s risk of numerous kitchen-related injuries. Protective footwear gives chefs and kitchen staff members extra defense for personal safety, even in the face of puddles, fires, falling objects, and sharp knives.

What did medieval peasants drink?

Was medieval food healthy?

“The medieval diet was very fresh food. There were very few preserves so everything was made fresh and it was low in fat and low in salt and sugar.” Meal times were more a family and community focus in medieval times and Caroline said this was a positive force.

What is it like to be a cook in the royal family?

The position of cook is a coveted one, as a cook is always in a position to have a bit extra to eat, and to offer others. It’s precious little power, but power nonetheless for a woman not of the royalty, but a royal position in the King’s court.

What was the role of the Cook in a castle?

The cook was in charge of the kitchens and food preparation in the castle and was assisted by a team of undercooks, servers, and cupbearers. Youngsters would have had the menial tasks of washing, fetching and carrying, and turning the meat on a spit while it roasted, the ‘spit-boys’.

What was the role of household staff in medieval castles?

A microcosm of the medieval world, the household staff worked as a team to meet the castle’s often extensive needs of nourishment, defence, and entertainment. The staff of a castle may be divided into two broad groups: men-at-arms and domestic servants.

How were the staff paid in the Middle Ages?

Most staff were paid by the day, and job security was often precarious, especially for the lowest servants who were dismissed when a castle lord travelled away from the castle.