Historical information

Food and Drink onboard sailing historic Sailors' diets during the Age of Sail were characterized by a limited selection of food and drink due to the harsh conditions and long voyages. The primary sources of nutrition included ship's biscuits, salted meats, peas, fish, oatmeal, cheese, butter, and beer. These provisions were essential for maintaining sailors' physical well-being and morale as they traversed the oceans. The diet was often supplemented with dried fruits and pulses to prevent scurvy and ensure a balanced intake of nutrients. Despite the challenges, sailors had to rely on these limited options to sustain themselves during their long sea journeys. The history of food on ships over the period 1500-2000 reflects a marked improvement in the quality of life at sea, slow improvements over the first few hundred years and then rapid, driven by technological developments in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Physical description

"Food at Sea. Eating and drinking with sailors 1500-2000." Published by The Australian National Maritime Museum. Edited by Bill Richards, ANMM. This book brings together historical vignettes and notes on contemporary practices, including recipes, of the history of food on ships. Contains black and white images. 36pp. Soft cover. Stapled at spine. Front and back covers have colored image of three people seated at table eating. Title written in matt gold on front cover. ISBM 064208185.