The Spice of Lies: The Truth Behind Medieval Spices and Spoiled Meat with Tom Ntinas

History Rage

Prepare your taste buds for a sumptuous feast of historical truths as we slice through the rotten myths of medieval cuisine! In this flavourful episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the seasoned historian and host of the Delicious Legacy podcast, Thom Ntinas. Together, they carve up the persistent and pungent belief that medieval Europeans dined on spoiled meat concealed beneath a cloak of exotic spices.

The Spice of Lies:

- Thom Ntinas debunks the savoury lie that medieval Europeans needed spices to mask the taste of putrid meat, revealing the era's sophisticated food preservation methods and culinary finesse.

- From salting and smoking to pickling, discover how our ancestors made the most of their meat without a dash of deceit.

A Pinch of Common Sense:

- Medieval manners and hygiene are brought to the table, showcasing an era where cleanliness was next to godliness, especially in the kitchen.

- Historical texts like the Menagier de Paris and Babes Book serve up evidence that medieval folks had a taste for freshness and a nose for spoilage.

The Spice Trade's Elite Flavour:

- The episode explores the true value of spices in medieval Europe, highlighting their role as luxurious status symbols and health supplements rather than culinary cover-ups.

- Learn how the common folk seasoned their fare with homegrown herbs, while the elite savoured the imported zest of pepper, cinnamon, and saffron.

A Global Garnish:

- Thom takes us on a global tour, comparing the use of spices in medieval Europe to their lavish application in their places of origin, from the Indian subcontinent to the Arab world.

- Spices stirred not only pots but also imaginations, fuelling trade, culture, and the pursuit of a more vibrant life.

The Origin of the Myth:

- Unravel the origins of this unsavoury myth with a look back at the 19th-century attitudes that seasoned our historical perspective with a dash of superiority.

- Jack Cecil Drummond's 1939 book is put under the microscope, revealing a recipe for historical misconception rather than medieval meat.

For a full course of historical flavours and more culinary revelations, follow Thom on Twitter @DeliciousLegacy and indulge in the Delicious Legacy podcast. And don't forget to support our continued quest for historical truth at patreon.com/historyrage, where your patronage earns you early episode access, prize draws, and the iconic History Rage mug.

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