The Surprising Origins of Junk Food

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What was the main purpose of medieval fast food in Europe?

to cater to travelers and the poor

Why was it difficult for many Londoners to cook at home during the Middle Ages?

because cooking equipment and fuel were expensive, and the poor lived in tenement housing without furnishings or a hearth

What reasons related to money in medieval Europe contributed to the demand for fast food?

high poverty throughout Europe

What was the social class that medieval fast food primarily catered to?

the poor Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of London as a city during the Middle Ages?

it was a center of trade and commerce Signup and view all the answers

What three ingredients were used to create soft pretzels in medieval Europe?

water, flour, and salt Signup and view all the answers

Why did pretzels become a symbol of luck and prosperity in medieval Europe?

They were often distributed to the poor and were a substitute for animal products during fasting periods. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice during Lent in medieval Europe, despite being criticized by religious figures like Robert Ripon?

Excessive drinking Signup and view all the answers

What sweetener was commonly used in medieval cook shops instead of sugar?

Honey Signup and view all the answers

What was the original name of the dish that later evolved into what we know as funnel cakes today?

Crisps Signup and view all the answers

What was the alternative to cooking at home in medieval times, and how did they operate?

Cook shops were the alternative to cooking at home, and they operated 24/7, supplying hot food to customers, with menus that changed depending on the season, and customers would walk up to the shops to purchase their favorite hot meal. Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the cook shops in Bristol, and how did they attract customers?

The cook shops in Bristol offered more variety, including poultry and fish, and they strategically threw food on the hearth to cook, releasing enticing smells to attract customers. Signup and view all the answers

What was a popular fast food item in medieval times, and how did it compare to modern-day fast food?

Meat pies were a popular fast food item in medieval times, and they can be compared to modern-day hamburgers, being filling and portable, but without the fries and Coke. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue with medieval cuisine, and how did it affect the food served at cook shops?

Spoiled meat was a major issue with medieval cuisine, and it led to cooks using diseased pork and serving days-old spoiled pies, which had serious health implications for customers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the concept of bread bowls in medieval times, and how did they originate?

Bread bowls were a medieval concept where soup and stews were served in a bowl made out of bread, called trenchers, which helped to bulk up a meal and was probably cheaper as it cut down on the need for dishes. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event contributed to the development of a more recognizable version of waffle batter in Europe?

The crusades Signup and view all the answers

What innovation by the Dutch in the 15th century revolutionized the waffle?

The invention of the grid pattern Signup and view all the answers

What led to sugar becoming a widely used ingredient in European desserts by the 16th century?

The discovery of the New World Signup and view all the answers

What sweet treats became popular during the 16th century, and what characteristic did they share?

Crispy crust topped with berries, fruit, or ginger, and Cuskynoles (sweet fruit-filled ravioli); they were sugary Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the word 'dessert', and how did its meaning evolve over time?

Derived from the French word 'desservir', meaning 'to clear the table', it originally referred to the last course of a meal and later came to mean the final course of fruits and sweets Signup and view all the answers