The Anglo-Saxons were primarily farmers, and they grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, oats, rye, and beans. They also raised livestock, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens.
Hunting and Gathering
The Anglo-Saxons also supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering wild foods, such as deer, rabbits, fish, nuts, and berries.
Trading
The Anglo-Saxons also traded with other peoples for food items that they could not produce themselves, such as salt, spices, and wine.
Here is a more detailed look at the different sources of food for the Anglo-Saxons:
1. Crops
The Anglo-Saxons grew a variety of crops, but the most important one was wheat. Wheat was used to make bread, which was a staple of the Anglo-Saxon diet. Other important crops included barley, oats, rye, and beans. These crops were used to make porridge, soups, and stews.
2. Livestock
The Anglo-Saxons also raised a variety of livestock, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Cattle were used for meat, milk, and leather. Sheep were used for meat and wool. Pigs were used for meat and bacon. Chickens were used for eggs and meat.
3. Hunting and Gathering
The Anglo-Saxons also hunted and gathered wild foods to supplement their diet. They hunted deer, rabbits, fish, and birds. They also gathered nuts, berries, and mushrooms.
4. Trading
The Anglo-Saxons also traded with other peoples for food items that they could not produce themselves. They traded for salt, spices, and wine.
The Anglo-Saxons had a varied and nutritious diet. They were able to produce most of their food themselves, but they also supplemented their diet by hunting, gathering, and trading.