Bread in the Middle Ages was a major thing, and surprisingly quite complicated also. Not only were there many different kinds, but it was regulated by government to ensure everyone could have a share of it. After all, as the saying goes, bread is life. And even Cervantes said, “All sorrows are less with bread.”
Making bread in the Middle Ages really took some effort. Flour, beer, yeast, and some salt were left over night to react and foam. In the morning, it was kneaded and tossed in the oven.
Bread was also a big part of medieval religion–and while it was needed to sustain the population, it was also hotly debated in theologian circles. Every part of medieval life revolved around bread.
Even death
A new plague began to creep into the lives of medieval people. Caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, contaminated rye made eating bread in the Middle Ages a risk.
So, governments put out laws and assizes, to regulate the sale of grains, breads and beers.
Medieval Assizes Regulated Bread and Grains
The Charter of Winchester (ca 1203) states: “Know that we have appointed, by the common counsel of our barons, that white bread made in our city of Winchester shall weigh thirty shillings, but black bread sixty-five shillings.”
White bread was made from a lighter, and more expensive flour. The grain was finer, and no fillings were added. But black bread had additives, and coarse grains. The weight difference reflected the processes used to make each.
The town charter of Jaca, Spain (date unknown) shows the nobleman paying his soldiers in bread:
“I give and concede to you and your successors with good will that you not go in the army unless with bread for three days.”
communal ovens were a big part of life back then
And bread in the Middle Ages was such an important piece of life that towns and cities often had communal ovens. You could rent one to bake your own bread, paying by loaf or by minutes. But, as a way to encourage a growing population, an assize from Medieval France opened the public ovens for free. That means more bread, more life sustained.
Here are a few recipes that have been adapted from medieval records. If you’re of a curious mindset, like me, you may want to try one out this weekend!
Medieval peasants had bread. We have the nutribullet.
Medieval Government Regulated Bread and Grains
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