"In his new history of food, acclaimed historian Massimo Montanari traces the development of medieval tastes--both culinary and cultural--from raw materials to market and captures their reflections in today's food trends. Tying the ingredients of our diet evolution to the growth of human civilization, he immerses readers in the passionate debates and bold inventions that transformed food from a simple staple to a potent factor in health and a symbol...

Many entries in the historical record and examples from popular culture show nobles, knights, kings, and peasants alike celebrating with food and drink. In this book, medieval agriculture, food preparation, and eating are explored in equal measure. With vivid examples from historical manuscripts, paintings, frescoes, and more, this book opens a window for readers into the culinary worlds and celebratory rituals of the people of the Middle Ages. From...

How medieval Europe's infatuation with expensive, fragrant, and exotic spices led to an era of colonial expansion and the discovery of new worlds The demand for spices in medieval Europe was extravagant and was reflected in the pursuit of fashion, the formation of taste, and the growth of luxury trade. It inspired geographical and commercial exploration, as traders pursued such common spices as pepper and cinnamon and rarer aromatic products, including...