Medieval Food System

During the Medieval time most of the food was home grown, though different classes would consume different things. The poor drank ale, mead or cider and the rich were able to drink different types of wines. The nobles had access to spices, sweets to give a kick to their food, many peasants did not. Both the Upper and Lower classes generally had three meals a day, but the commoners had less food than the Upper Classes. Menus for the wealthy were extensive, but only small portions were taken. A change in society emerged during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages when the travel prompted by the Crusades led to a new and unprecedented interest in beautiful objects and elegant manners. This change extended to food preparation and presentation