
This included many animals that most modern-day people wouldn’t even think of as food. Since food was a symbol of social status, the rich filled their bellies with all types of meat. There’s no doubt medieval folks enjoyed their fair share of filling meals, but it didn’t stop at chicken. But if you have ever gone to a Medieval Times Dinner Theater or watched a medieval flick, there’s a good chance you’re thinking of people eating enormous roasted chicken legs with their bare hands. In fact, wheat was specifically reserved for the upper class. That’s not to say royalty didn’t enjoy fruits, veggies, and grains. The male deer (stag or hart) was considered superior for meat. All three were a popular quarry for aristocrats on the hunt, and the meat of all three was enjoyed by the nobility and their guests on many an occasion. Additionally, they used to eat dried fruits, which were not easily available to peasants. There were three types of deer common in medieval Europe: roe, fallow, and red. They used to have freshly killed meat, river fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Meanwhile, the upper class ate a ridiculous amount of meat. The Wealthy Medieval Wealthy Food by Sailko licensed under CC BY 3.0 The diet of wealthy people during medieval times was very different from peasants. Grains like oats, rye, and barley were also eaten by the lower class. Food was expensive, so the poor ate basic and simple food, such as peas and bread. Plus, disease and famine were common during this time. It’s often called the Dark Ages because of a lack of scientific and cultural development. The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, took place from the 5th to the 15th century. After all, royalty during the medieval period lived seriously lavish lifestyles, so you can be sure they enjoyed extravagant meals. When you hear “Middle Ages,” it’s hard to not think of majestic knights and grand castles.
