What did the Europeans eat before potatoes?

Cereals remained the most important staple during the early Middle Ages as rice was introduced late, and the potato was only introduced in 1536, with a much later date for widespread consumption. Barley, oats and rye were eaten by the poor.

What did people eat before tomatoes and potatoes?

Before tomatoes, the Italian diet was largely similar to the diet throughout the rest of the Mediterranean. Bread, pasta, olives, and beans were all staples, and Italians also made a variety of different types of polenta.

What did the UK eat before potatoes?

Fertile food Before the introduction of the potato, those in Ireland, England and continental Europe lived mostly off grain, which grew inconsistently in regions with a wet, cold climate or rocky soil. Potatoes grew in some conditions where grain could not, and the effect on the population was overwhelming.

What did Europeans eat before the New World was discovered?

“Europe had a much richer variety of food than the Americas. We already had plenty of grains like wheat, rice, millet, rye and barley, so corn did not have that much impact, except to the poor. We also had domesticated animals, which we introduced to the Americas, plus plenty of fruits and vegetables.”

What did Europeans eat in the 1700s?

During the 1700s, meals typically included pork, beef, lamb, fish, shellfish, chicken, corn, beans and vegetables, fruits, and numerous baked goods.

When did potatoes come to Europe?

Originating from the highlands of the Andes, South America, potatoes were introduced to Europe in the sixteenth century. They were initially popular in Spain because they provided cheap sustenance for the poor.

Who first brought potatoes to Europe?

The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40,000 acres of land near Cork.

What foods did the Europeans introduced to the New World?

Over time, new crops were introduced to the Americas, including wheat, rice, barley, oats, coffee, sugar cane, citrus fruits, melons and Kentucky bluegrass. The introduction of wheat was of particular significance. For thousands of years, bread had been a central part of the European diet.

What did Europeans eat Before the Americas were discovered?

What food did they eat in the 1700’s?

During the 1700s, meals typically included pork, beef, lamb, fish, shellfish, chicken, corn, beans and vegetables, fruits, and numerous baked goods. Corn, pork, and beef were staples in most lower and middle class households.

What did the average European eat before potatoes?

Such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, sugar. But were way beyond the means of the average peasant in Europe. Bread, butter and stew (or porridge) were what most Europeans ate before the potato became so popular. Occasionally a biscuit or cake sweetened with honey.

Did the Incas invent potatoes?

The Incas discover the potato The humble potato’s story began more than 10,000 years ago on the shores of Lake Titicaca, in present-day Peru. The Incas are believed to have been the first to cultivate potatoes all the way up in the Andes mountain range, at 3,800 metres above sea level.

Why are potatoes so popular in Peru?

Potatoes are the most commonly eaten vegetable in the world, but they shine most brightly in Peru. After originating from the wild Andes of Peru thousands of years ago, they have become a treasured crop worldwide and the star of Peruvian cuisine. We look at the history of Peruvian potatoes and how they became one of the world’s favourite foods.

What is the history of the potato?

We look at the history of Peruvian potatoes and how they became one of the world’s favourite foods. The humble potato’s story began more than 10,000 years ago on the shores of Lake Titicaca, in present-day Peru.