Tag: Viking food

Archaeological evidence reveals that the average Viking man was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, significantly taller than other Europeans of the time, such as English peasants. The popular notion of Vikings as towering giants is often exaggerated, but their superior height for the era was real, and their diet played a critical role in their stature. So, what did Vikings eat to get so tall?

Archaeological finds, such as those at the Oseberg burial site, confirm that apples were indeed part of the Norse diet. But apples were just one of many fruits enjoyed by these seafarers and farmers. The question of what fruits did the Norse eat reveals a diet rich in foraged berries and some cultivated orchard fruits, providing essential vitamins and flavors to their meals.

Despite popular imagery of feasts, the average Viking diet was a seasonal and resourceful affair, heavily dependent on farming, foraging, and fishing. They needed immense energy for their strenuous lifestyle, relying on fat and protein to survive harsh Scandinavian winters.

Dating back to the Viking age, skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product that is actually a type of soft cheese but consumed like yogurt. The unique, centuries-old production process, which requires up to four times more milk, is a key reason why is Icelandic yogurt better for you, offering a concentrated nutritional profile that outshines many other cultured dairy options.

According to archaeological evidence and sagas, the Viking diet was largely seasonal and consisted of farmed and foraged goods, fish, and domesticated animals. This resourceful diet provided the intense energy needed for their demanding seafaring lifestyle and cold climate. So, what did Vikings drink and eat to fuel their legendary exploits?

Historically, scurvy was a feared disease that plagued sailors for centuries, yet Vikings managed to navigate the globe with surprisingly low incidences of this vitamin C deficiency. Where did Vikings get vitamin C, and how did their diet, adapted to northern climates, keep them healthy on long, arduous sea voyages?

With a life expectancy consistently ranked among the world's highest, Icelanders have long relied on a unique diet shaped by their island's geography and history. The Icelandic diet is centered on an abundance of seafood, wild lamb, and a distinct cultured dairy product, creating a nutrient-dense and protein-rich way of eating.

Dating back to the Viking age, skyr has been a staple in Icelandic diets for over a thousand years. So, what is so special about skyr yogurt that has captivated taste buds and health enthusiasts worldwide for centuries?

It takes nearly four cups of milk to make just one cup of Icelandic yogurt, resulting in a protein-dense final product. This ancient Viking-era food, also known as skyr, stands out in the dairy aisle for its impressively high protein content and thick, creamy texture.

Archaeological evidence from cesspits and graves, combined with information from the Norse sagas, indicates that the Viking diet was far more varied and robust than typically portrayed. The diet was rich in meat, fish, dairy, and a surprisingly wide array of grains, vegetables, fruits, and foraged plants.