Page 34 - British Museum: SYTYGIB Medieval Castle

Of course, banquets weren’t filled entirely with stomach-churning oddities. There were normal foods in there too – and some amazing ones.
The most impressive things on the banquet table were incredible sugar sculptures known as subtleties. These eye-catching creations were of castles, ships, famous philosophers or scenes from stories. Not something you’re likely to see down at your local burger joint.
How many sugars do you take in your tea?
FANCY THAT!
When a banquet took place, some animals that had been cooked were decorated so they looked like they were still alive. If it was a bird, the feathers would be replaced and it would be coloured with fruit or vegetable juices. Hopefully your parents don’t get any ideas next time you have chicken nuggets for tea.
Wealthy people would enjoy freshly killed meat and fish caught from local rivers. They’d also have fresh fruit and dishes flavoured with spices like ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and pepper.
Spices like these, as well salt and sugar, were very expensive, so if you were a poorer kid in the castle, your meals would be much plainer. You’d eat stuff like bread, pottage (thick vegetable soup), bacon, milk and cheese.
Err, how about NONE – until I win the lottery or something!
Not quite as tasty, but probably better than chewing on a dolphin or chasing a frog with a fork.
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