Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
Shiver Me Tastebuds! A Pirate's Life for Food (Part 1)
Shiver Me Tastebuds! A Pirate's Life for Food (Part 1)
Shiver Me Tastebuds! A Pirate's Life for Food (Part 1)
Tuesday 17th June 2025
Discover the grim realities and surprising democracy of pirate food in this engaging episode with Andy, Dom, and Miles.
40 minutes
informative
humorous
challenging
grim
engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Karen vanBarneveld
Overview:
Categories:
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Pirate Food: The True Tales of High Seas Cuisine
Episode Overview
- Pirate food often included infested ship biscuits.
- Pirates practiced surprising democratic voting.
- Rum and sugar were staples in pirate drink recipes.
- Privateers transitioned to piracy after peace treaties.
- Life at sea included harsh realities and humorous tales.
Despite its durability, this staple was frequently infested with weevils and could be consumed over years after its initial baking.
In the latest episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Miles Dickinson, Andy Cantor, and Dom Gray embark on a fascinating exploration of pirate cuisine and the realities of life on the open sea. The episode titled 'Shiver Me Tastebuds! A Pirate's Life for Food' delves deep into the often grim and occasionally humorous world of pirate food and drink.
Forget the romanticized images of lavish banquets and endless rum that Hollywood portrays; the real diet of pirates was far less glamorous. The hosts reveal how staples like ship biscuits were frequently infested with weevils, and water quickly became stagnant and slimy during long voyages. Yet, despite these challenges, pirates managed to create their own culinary culture, blending practicality with the scant resources available. The discussion also covers the origins of piracy, focusing on the transition from privateering to piracy.
During times of peace between major European powers, privateers found themselves out of work, leading many to take up piracy as a means of survival. This era saw the rise of notorious figures like Blackbeard and Black Bart, but it also highlighted a surprisingly democratic practice among pirate crews. Decisions were made collectively, with each crew member having an equal vote, regardless of rank.
Rum and sugar were essential components of pirate drinks, with concoctions like 'Flip' combining rum, beer, and sugar, heated with a red-hot poker. These drinks were not only a source of camaraderie but also helped mitigate the effects of drinking on the high seas. As the episode wraps up, the hosts promise to delve even deeper in the next installment, exploring more strange delicacies and the democratic values that defined pirate life.
They invite listeners to join them for Part 2, where the exploration of pirate cuisine and culture continues. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by subscribing, rating, and following the hosts on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.