Ancient history

What did the English colonists eat?

1. Staple Foods

- Bread: Made from wheat or cornmeal, bread was a staple of the English diet. It was often eaten with butter, cheese, or jam.

- Meat: The English colonists ate a variety of meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison. Meat was usually roasted, stewed, or boiled.

- Vegetables: The English colonists grew a variety of vegetables in their gardens, including cabbage, carrots, onions, turnips, and peas. Vegetables were often boiled or stewed.

- Fruit: The English colonists ate a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and plums. Fruit was often eaten fresh or made into pies or jams.

2. Beverages

- Water: Water was the most common drink of the English colonists. It was often boiled or treated with alcohol to make it safe to drink.

- Beer: Beer was also a popular drink of the English colonists. It was made from fermented barley, hops, and water.

- Wine: Wine was another popular drink of the English colonists. It was imported from England or made from locally grown grapes.

- Cider: Cider was a type of alcoholic drink made from fermented apples. It was popular among the English colonists in America.

3. Other Foods

- Honey: Honey was used as a sweetener in many English dishes. It was collected from wild bees or from beehives kept by the colonists.

- Maple syrup: Maple syrup was another sweetener used by the English colonists. It was made from the sap of maple trees.

- Cornmeal: Cornmeal was made from ground corn. It was used to make bread, mush, and other dishes.

- Beans: Beans were a common food of the English colonists. They were boiled or stewed and often served with meat or vegetables.

- Fish: The English colonists caught a variety of fish in the rivers and oceans near their settlements. Fish was often eaten fresh or dried and salted for later use.