What did medieval monks actually eat to sustain their life of solitude?
In short: Dan Snow explores the daily diet of medieval monks, examining how they survived on limited resources grown within monastery walls or sourced from nearby towns. This video provides a practical look at the food staples that fueled a life defined by chastity and gratitude.
Monastic diets were primarily composed of locally grown vegetables like turnips and salad, supplemented by dark breads and porridges. Proteins were scarce, consisting mainly of cheese curds and the occasional fish, which was smoked to ensure it lasted longer. To drink, monks relied on ale, beer, or mead.
Rules regarding consumption were strict, particularly for Cistercian monks, who prohibited meat and lard within the monastery walls. Exceptions were only granted to hired craftsmen or those suffering from serious illness. By drying meat and smoking fish, monks managed to maintain their food supply despite the lacklustre nature of their daily fare.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How Did Medieval Monks Survive On Such A Lacklustre Diet?
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