A friend/colleague forwarded me some information regarding the typical provisions on ships (particularly the Dutch East India Company) during the early 17th century. It was forwarded to me by MacGregor’s Historical Games.
Source: It is taken from the Halve Maen (Half Moon) interpretive manual found at http://www.hrmm.org/halfmoon/manual.htm
I thought fan of food and historical research may appreciate this list.
1. Meat (Beef)
2. Bacon (Pork)
3. Wine
4. Brandy
5. Oil
6. Klein beer (i.e. small beer)
7. “Good” beer
8. Spanish Wine
9. French Wine
10. Vinegar
11. Water
12. Ham (for officers)
13. Smoked Beef (for officers)
14. Smoked tongue (for officers)
15. Biscuit
16. Groats
17. White peas
18. Gray peas
19. Beans
20. Butter
21. Stock-fish (usually dried cod)
22. Cream Cheese
23. Hard Cheese
24. Salted Pork
25. Salted Beef
26. Pickled Herring
27. Whale Blubber
28. Brandy
29. Salt
30. Mustard Seed
I find it interesting that brandy is listed twice on the list.
Valuable thoughts and advices. I read your topic with great interest.
Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?