Pirate Food Mysteries Unveiled: Part 2
Episode Overview
Pirates shared plunder democratically. Turtles were a key food source. Pirates discovered scurvy prevention methods. Life aboard was challenging and grim. Pirate diets lacked variety but included preserved goods.
Pirates shared their plunder equally, focusing more on fresh provisions than gold.
In the second installment of 'Shiver Me Tastebuds! A Pirate's Life for Food,' hosts Miles Dickinson, Andy Cantor, and Dom Gray delve deeper into the intriguing culinary world of pirates. Building on the revelations from part one, the hosts continue to explore the grim realities and unexpected practices surrounding pirate food and drink. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the democratic ways pirates split their plunder, emphasizing the importance of fresh provisions over gold.
Pirates often relied on the supplies from captured ships, including essentials like water, wine, and spirits. Occasionally, lucky finds such as marmalade or preserved peaches were a treat. When pirates landed ashore, they hunted local wildlife, including wild pigs, turtles, and goats, and gathered fruits like oranges. Turtles, in particular, were a staple due to their slow movement and ease of capture. Pirates kept them alive on deck, providing a ready meal for the crew.
However, excessive consumption of turtle meat was warned against, as it led to greasy skin. The hosts share tales from pirate history, including a grim story about Edward Lowe, a notorious pirate who captured a French merchant vessel and cruelly treated its cook. Such harsh realities highlight the challenging life pirates faced at sea. Pirates also encountered severe health issues, notably scurvy due to a lack of vitamin C.
They countered this by adding limes, molasses, and bitters to their rum. The hosts reference culinary historian Marianne Timko, who suggests pirates might have been early discoverers of scurvy prevention methods. The episode wraps up with reflections on the overall quality of pirate life compared to land living, drawing humorous comparisons to historical diets, and encouraging listeners to share the podcast. The hosts sign off with a cheerful pirate send-off, reminding everyone to stay safe and enjoy their vegetables.