Pottage, a savory and hearty stew, was typically made from vegetables, grains, and meat or fish, depending on what was available. It could be quite simple, made with just barley or peas, or more elaborate, including a variety of meats, herbs, and spices. Pottage was often eaten with bread, used to dip into the stew, and was an essential part of medieval diets across all social strata. For a feast, pottage would be made in larger quantities, often enriched with more exotic ingredients for the upper classes, such as dried fruits, almonds, or imported spices.
Together, bread and pottage provided the foundation for the medieval diet, and their presence at feasts was a nod to both the practicality and creativity of medieval cooks.
Mead and Wine: The Drinks of the Gods
Drinking was a central part of medieval feasts, with mead and wine being the two most popular beverages. Mead, an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey, was particularly favored in the early medieval period and was associated with the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. It was often consumed in large quantities, and drinking from communal vessels was a symbol of hospitality and friendship.
Wine was another key drink, especially in regions where vineyards thrived, such as France, Spain, and Italy. Wine was considered a refined drink and was often served at royal and noble feasts. It was frequently mixed with water, herbs, or spices, depending on the region and the specific tastes of the host. In some cases, wine was spiced with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, or sugar, creating complex and luxurious flavors.
For the wealthiest of feasts, special wines might be imported from distant lands, adding an exotic element to the celebration. Ale was also common at these events, particularly in northern Europe, where beer brewed from barley was consumed in large quantities, and often in large, wooden tankards.
The drinking culture at medieval feasts was one of the key elements of the celebration, with toasts and speeches often accompanying the libations, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and social ties. shutdown123