Ancient Egyptian Food
To know more about the ancient Egyptian culture, one should look at certain surrounding elements of their environment, which could shape their culture. Food is one critical element of this previous culture, which is considered the corner stone of the life of the ancient inhabitants of Egypt. This article illustrates the main facts, which are corresponding with the food of the ancient Egyptians.
How do we know exactly what the ancient Egyptians ate, the answer is we don't; however we can have a pretty good guess. We can look at the drawings on the walls of tombs, we can read the ancient texts and probably the most important take a look at what the inhabitants of Egypt eat today.
Generally, the environment of ancient Egypt was extremely rich. The River Nile was seen as the main source of life there. Agriculture was one of the main activities of ancient Egyptians. They could cultivate many vital plants, along with preparing valuable food, which could keep their children healthy for the long-term, (Balkwill, 1994). To sum up, bread was considered at these times such a holy thing, which could be seen in certain drawings in ancient Egyptian temples, (Wilson, 1998).
Ancient Egyptian Food For Children
In fact, the food for the children of ancient Egypt contained many vital elements. According to experts, there were approximately fifteen categories of food in the early rule of the Egyptian Pharaohs, whereas during the later days of the ancient Egyptian culture, their was perhaps fifty one different types of bread. The bread types differed, according to the contents of butter, wheat, fruit, herbs, honey, eggs, or milk, and also in the many creative ways the bread was baked. However, it is believed they used to use available plants cultivated at this time in making bread, (Balkwill, 1994). Garlic and onions were popular plants grown in ancient Egypt, so the Pharaohs may have eaten garlic bread.
There were many different shapes and ways of making bread or even cakes. The following are some recipes, which are corresponding with making bread, especially for keeping children healthy, (Wilson, 1998).
Making Ancient Egyptian leaven bread
Simply, Egyptian mothers used small quantities of barely flour and mixed it with warm water Then, the dough was worked in exactly the same manner as today. The dough was then formed into a round mound. A simple knife would be used to form a cross in the middle of the dough mixture. The formed dough would then be placed on a wide plate filled with water. This mixture is then left at room temperature, in order to ferment. Later, the dough could be split open, similar to overripe fruits, (Wilson, 1998). The dough was ready to make bread and the Egyptians cooked it in many different ways. Some experts state that one method of baking bread was to coat the bread in clay and place it in an open fire. The servants of the rich would have had access to ovens and may have also used hot plates. In all cultures the ability to make bread is important in maintaining the health of growing children and adults.
Hummus
Hummus was a popular accompaniment to bread.
Contents
1 tsp. Of salt
3 garlic cloves
2 tbs of good wine vinegar
220g of chickpeas
6 tbs. oil of sesame seed
Method
The chickpeas are cooked and mashed, while adding the juice of lemon. Another mixture of sesame seed oil with the chopped garlic could assist in making the spread of the paste on the bread. Actually, this method is known recently in Egypt, which is welcomed by all children.
Conclusion
From the very moment of the last days of ancient Egypt, mothers were keen to provide their children with healthy food. Bread was one of these valuable elements, which had various ways in manufacture. Using certain available contents in that period could assist in making the bread healthy and delicious as well. Moreover, most of these categories of breads and cakes are still known nowadays in modern Egypt.
References
Balkwill, R. (1994). Food and Feasts in Ancient Egypt
Wilson, H. (1998). Egyptian Food and Drink (Shire Egyptology)