It's time to find out what the Vikings really ate and separate facts from movie fabrications.
When we think of Vikings, the classic image immediately comes to mind: giant feasts, flying meat, barrels of mead and a bunch of people shouting “Skål!”. But was that really all there was to it?
Despite their reputation as brutes, the Vikings had a very varied diet. Of course, meat was a common occurrence, but that wasn't all. Many things have been romanticized over time, especially in the movies.
The truth is that the Vikings knew how to eat properly. In this article, we will discuss the myths, curiosities and truths of the Viking diet. No fuss, no difficult terms.
This is straight talk, like bar talk with a historical theme. And if you've ever found yourself wondering what the Vikings actually ate, don't worry: that doubt will be put to rest right now.
The Viking did not live on meat alone
Let's dispel a myth right away: no, the Vikings didn't eat only meat. This idea comes more from movies than from reality. They did eat game meat, like deer and wild boar, but it was only part of their diet.
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The basis came from the land. They planted barley, rye, oats... and made porridge, bread and even fermented drinks with them.
In other words, it was already clear that the menu went beyond barbecue. Vegetables were also a part of the menu. They ate carrots, turnips, cabbage, leeks… and they usually made stews with all of them.
Nothing fancy, but super functional and nutritious. So when it comes to what the Vikings really ate, the answer goes way beyond what we imagine.
He had a little bit of everything, always taking advantage of what the land had to offer.
Fish was the real darling
If there was one thing the Vikings knew how to do, it was fishing. They lived near the sea, rivers and lakes, so fish was a guaranteed presence in their diet.
They ate cod, salmon, herring and trout. And the most incredible thing: they knew how to preserve everything! They smoked, salted and even fermented the fish to make it last longer in the winter.
Eating fish was easier than hunting. So even those who weren't rich could maintain a diet full of protein. Oh, and shellfish and crustaceans were also common.
In other words, you can't talk about what the Vikings really ate and leave out fish. It was the king of Viking cuisine, without a doubt.
Fruits, honey and other treats
Do you think the Vikings didn't eat sweets? Well, they did! Sure, it wasn't chocolate, but they knew how to make do with what they had.
Wild fruits such as strawberries, blackberries and apples were very common. They ate them pure, dried or mixed into porridge. All very natural, but tasty.
And honey was the official sweetener. In addition to being used in food, it was also used to make the famous mead, the favorite drink of the crowd.
So, once again, what the Vikings really ate included some natural delicacies. No industrialized desserts, but still, sweets were a thing!
Sustainable and creative cuisine
The Vikings were very clever in the kitchen. They used everything. Like, EVERYTHING. Nothing went to waste.
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Vegetable peels were turned into soup. Bones were turned into broth. Even animal blood was used to make sausage. It may seem strange today, but it was survival.
They also raised animals such as chickens, pigs, cows and sheep. This ensured milk, eggs, meat and fertilizer for the crops.
So if you really want to understand what the Vikings ate, you have to look at the sustainable side. They lived off what they had and used it wisely.
Myths and truths
In the end, the Vikings ate much better than we imagine. They knew how to plant, fish, raise animals and still made the most of everything they had.
That idea of only meat and mead is quite wrong. Their diet was very balanced and even healthy for the time.
Knowing what the Vikings really ate helps to dispel the exaggerated image that movies sell. They weren't just warriors eating pork leg out of their hands.
And if you thought you had a rustic diet, look here… maybe you’re eating more “viking style” than you think!