[Sca-cooks] Spices and the Irish Common folk

[Terry Decker]

You seem to be assuming a subsistence level that, in the 14th Century, 
manifested itself only in times of famine or in cases of extreme poverty. 
>From an economic standpoint, there was a rising standard of living beginning 
in the 13th Century which received a tremendous boost from the bubonic 
plague in the 14th Century, concentrating wealth across all classes and 
inflating the value of labor.  In fact, between the 14th and 16th Century, 
Europe achieved the highest standard of living prior to the 20th Century.

I also doubt that the common man was so lacking in taste buds as to not 
differentiate between a vegetable and a seasoning.  Most herbs used for 
seasoning are too potent to use in quantity, but a little rosemary or basil 
in the porridge or some dill in the rye bread would certainly brighten a 
common meal.

Bear

>A spice or herb is just a part of a vegetable that is specifically 
>identified as a flavor enhancer. I do not believe that the 14th century 
>common person would make such a distinction.  If it was edible, it went in 
>the pot.
>
> Duriel