Show Notes
Can we please stop believing that our ancestors didn't eat vegetables?
Are you tired of the myth that historical diets consisted only of giant turkey legs and gout-inducing meats? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes food historian, author, and podcaster Sam Bilton to dismantle the persistent lie that people in the past avoided fruit and veg. From the misconception that medieval tables lacked greens to the Victorian culinary crimes that saw Brussels sprouts boiled for 40 minutes, Sam sets the record straight using the very text evidence left behind by historical cooks.
Discover how Tudor banquets actually incorporated seasonal produce, why Giacomo Castelvetro tried to get early 17th-century Brits to eat more celery, and how potatoes became the ultimate Shakespearean aphrodisiac. Plus, Sam reveals why an Elizabethan "boiled salad" is actually closer to modern gastropub fare than you think. It’s time to torch the meat-only myth and find out what our ancestors were really cooking.
Recommended Episodes If you loved diving into the realities of historical dining, check out these recommended episodes from the History Rage archive:
Episode 204: Neil Buttery rages that medieval people did have table manners. Episode 208: Annie Grey rages that British food is not dull and beige.
About the Guest Sam Bilton is a food historian, lecturer, and author specializing in historical culinary arts. She is the author of Much Ado About Cooking: Delicious Shakespearean Feasts for Every Occasion.
Buy the Book: Get your copy of Much Ado About Cooking directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035427680 Podcasts: Listen to Sam on the Comfortably Hungry podcast and A Is for Apple. Social Media: Follow Sam on all platforms @MrsSBilton.
Support & Follow History Rage Help us keep the rage train rolling! You can support the podcast, get ad-free early access, join monthly live streams, and grab your exclusive History Rage mug by becoming a patron.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/HistoryRage Website: https://www.historyrage.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from History Rage
Think the legendary detective began at 221B Baker Street?
Did the ancient world celebrate queer love, or did they invent homophobia?
Think history is a neat, upward march of progress? Think again.
Forget Henry VIII: It is Time to Reignite the Power of the Six Queens
Have you ever noticed that the JFK assassination is the only event in history where absolutely everyone feels entitled to an aggressive opinion? 🤬 The rich, human narrative of Dealey Plaza has been completely hijacked by toxic internet debates and dogmatic conspiracy culture.