What Did People Eat During The Black Plague?

doctors came to believe that some foods spread illness,

while others promoted health.

They were not always right, but those beliefs heavily

influenced medieval food culture,

and directly shaped the way many parts of the world

still live and eat now.

So today, we're going to take a look

at some things you won't believe Europeans

ate during the plague.

But before we get started, be sure to subscribe

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After that, leave a comment and let

us know what other culinary topics

you would like to hear about.

OK, I hope you brought your appetite,

because it's time to tuck into some weird history.

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More than possibly the best flavor of potato chip,

Europeans believed vinegar was a panacea

to prevent symptoms of the plague.

Doctors used it as a medicine or potion,

and it was often recommended as an additive

to other foods or drinks.

Vinegar was used in a wide variety of foods.

When cooking watery vegetables, fruits, soups, and dairy,

the addition of substantial amounts of spice and vinegar

was recommended.

People also believed adding vinegar into water and wine

would provide medicinal benefits.

Lastly, to eliminate the bad humors that supposedly caused

the illness, doctors recommended a syrup

made from honey and vinegar.

Yeah, that will drain the humor out of most people.

Medieval doctors also believed a vital part

of promoting good health involved purifying the air.

With a tractate written by a 14th century physician, John

of Burgundy, it's evident that vinegar

served as a general disinfectant, as well

as a medicine.