The History of English Podcast Episode 132: Food for Thought
Dec 19, 2019
Exploring the origins of culinary terminology and food-related terms in medieval England, including the first English cookbook known as 'The Forme of Cury.' It also examines the opulent court of King Richard II, the evolution of words like 'mince,' 'sauce,' 'gravy,' and 'salad,' and the presence of Mediterranean-inspired recipes in a 1300s English cookbook.
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First English Cookbook Reveals Court Cuisine
- The Forme of Cury is the oldest known English cookbook compiled by Richard II's chefs around 1390.
- It records court cuisine and reveals how culinary change influenced English vocabulary.
Food Served As Medicine In Humoral Thinking
- Medieval cooks consulted physicians because food and medicine were linked by humoral theory.
- Ingredients were balanced as hot, cold, moist, or dry to avoid disturbing the humors.
Culinary Change Tied To Trade And Courts
- Cookbooks appeared across Europe in the 14th century as noble dining became more elaborate.
- Trade and cultural exchange introduced new ingredients and techniques into elite kitchens.