Medieval hunting and its influence on culinary traditions.

April 16, 2025

The Middle Ages are one of the most fascinating periods of history. It has no explicit time boundaries, so its beginning is often called 476 when the Western Roman Empire ceased to exist. The end of the Middle Ages is considered the last decade of the 15th century. At this time, Christopher Columbus discovered America and launched the so-called Modern era. From the 5th to the 15th century, various areas of human activity were actively developed. Hunting was one of them. In the Middle Ages, it became more organized and significant for people, so its influence spread even to the culinary traditions of that era.

Features of hunting in the Middle Ages
Medieval hunting is a historically significant phenomenon. It had a massive impact on people's lives and became an essential part of their culture. Today, studying hunting in the Middle Ages allows us to highlight several key features. All of them require special attention and thorough research. Only then will we be able to understand the most important nuances of hunting in the past and assess its impact on a similar activity carried out in the 21st century?

General rules of conduct
Hunting was more like a ritual than a fun outdoor activity in the Middle Ages. Because of this, it was almost always conducted according to specific rules. In different countries, minor adjustments were made to them, which did not change the general meaning of the event and the functions of each participant. The main general rule was that only aristocrats could participate in the hunt. Ordinary people were prohibited from doing this activity, and any attempts to break the law were severely punished. This feature turned hunting into an event for the elite, which included only the most famous and respected people.
The second rule of medieval hunting, which was in effect in most countries, allowed the event to be held only in specially prepared places. Most often, these were carefully guarded forests where ordinary people were forbidden to enter. Specially trained people monitored these locations. They controlled the animal populations and removed various obstacles in the path of hunters (for example, cleared paths from stones, branches and leaves). In some medieval countries, hunting grounds also became a place where new game species were bred, brought from neighboring kingdoms' territories.
Good planning is another rule of any medieval hunt. Before the aristocrats entered the forest, special people distributed roles among them. After that, everyone knew exactly what they had to do to succeed. By playing specific roles, hunters also increased their safety. They did not interfere with each other when shooting or performing other dangerous actions. An equally important rule observed in all countries of that time was the absence of age restrictions. Children aged 7-8 years were often taken on hunts and given simple secondary roles. As they grew older, they received greater freedom of action and became real professionals.

Importance for people
Medieval hunting was a significant event for all its participants. In most cases, it was used to achieve five main goals. The first of them was to catch a game. At that time, the meat of wild animals was considered a delicacy, so even aristocrats dreamed of getting it for dinner. To do this, they tried to get the maximum number of animals to provide themselves with a valuable product for several days. The second goal for which people went hunting was communication. Important state affairs were discussed during the event, various agreements were concluded, and conversations with foreign guests were held. Simple communication on numerous topics with relatives and friends also often became part of the hunt.
An equally important goal of organizing a medieval hunt was the opportunity to stand out from other participants in the event. This was achieved not only by the number of animals killed, the accuracy of shooting, and the demonstration of dexterity but also in an unobvious way, such as by using a unique outfit. Getting physical exercise is the fourth goal of a medieval hunt. The fact is that most aristocrats led quiet lives, and their most significant activity was slow walks in the garden. They went hunting to load the muscles and maintain good physical shape slightly. Long walks, horseback riding, and numerous movements during various actions became a kind of training. Finally, the last goal of hunting in the Middle Ages was to enjoy the process. Many aristocrats liked to track down and kill animals, as in this way, they increased their self-esteem and status in society. In addition, hunting is a much more fun activity than studying science, playing chess or walking in the garden.

Hunting equipment
Firearms were first used for hunting in the 16th century. Because of this, hunters had to use simpler devices to kill animals in the Middle Ages. The bow and crossbow were the main choices. The best craftsmen made these hunting weapons. They allowed shooting from 10-30 meters and hitting targets. Arrows were made of wood and had an iron tip. The bow and crossbow were considered the most effective weapons for medieval hunting. However, many preferred to use even simpler products. They were special spears. With the right strike, they could quickly kill an animal and keep its skin almost intact. In some countries, spears were made separately for each type of game. They differed in length, tip size, and center of gravity. An alternative to spears were knives and swords. They were used less often than spears but were also popular in some countries. Cudgels were also chosen for hunting small game.
In addition to weapons, the horn was mandatory equipment for medieval hunting. It helped coordinate the actions of all participants in the event and notify them of certain events. There was a separate sound signal for each situation. By emitting it, it was possible to quickly tell all hunters about the game spotted, approaching danger and other events. In the forest, the sound of the horn could be heard at a distance of more than 1 kilometer, which made it the most effective warning system of that time. Quiver is another mandatory piece of equipment. It was made of various materials and simplified the long-term carrying of arrows. Quiver also became part of the image of a medieval hunter and was sometimes even used as a fashion accessory.
Finally, unique clothing is another essential attribute of hunting in the Middle Ages. It was made of the most durable, high-quality materials. Its sewing was done by the best tailors, who adapted the costumes to the needs and preferences of each participant in the event. Clothing in medieval hunting was so crucial that its preparation was often given more attention than weapons. This is because many aristocrats who did not like hunting but were forced to participate in this activity could use clothing to attract attention and compensate for the inability to shoot or perform other actions. Unique hunting clothing was also crucial for women, who most often accompanied men but did not participate in the hunt themselves. The better she looked, the higher the woman's status in society.

Animals in Hunting
In the Middle Ages, animals played an essential role in hunting. They were used for fast movement, searching for games and many other purposes. Horses were the most popular animals. Unique breeds were bred for hunting, their health and physical condition were carefully monitored, and ideal conditions were provided. Combining all these factors made it possible to obtain horses that were ideally adapted for hunting. They had high-speed capabilities, were hardy, and were not afraid of forest predators, loud cries and other sounds. All this made them excellent assistants to hunters.
A dog is another indispensable animal in medieval hunting. It was used to perform many tasks. The excellent sense of smell of dogs made it possible to find animals quickly and the ability to produce a loud bark - to determine the location of the discovered game. Dogs were also used to drive animals and kill them. Hounds were used primarily for hunting. They had high speed, endurance, a good sense of smell and an innate hunting instinct. All this made them an ideal assistant for any hunter. Specially trained people were involved in breeding and training such dogs. They prepared the animals and monitored their condition. The best of the best were sold to other hunters for vast amounts of money.
In some countries, birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons, were used in medieval hunting. They helped hunters get various small games that were difficult for a person to detect or catch (for example, rabbits, rodents and different types of birds). Like dogs, falcons and hawks were explicitly bred for hunting. They were taught various commands and prepared for each specific event. Due to their ability to develop at enormous speeds, these birds easily catch up with ducks, geese, and cranes that have taken off. Also, their ability to see any, even insignificant, animal movements from a long distance allowed falcons and hawks to detect rabbits, partridges and other games hidden in the grass. People kept birds of prey for hunting in unique rooms. These rooms were built far from living rooms so that the noise would not disturb the falcons and hawks, which were resting. These birds were constantly fed game meat, so they got used to it and tried to eat it during the hunt. When hunters had enough birds, they sold newborn chicks for much money, ultimately bringing huge profits.

Popular game
In the Middle Ages, the number of game species was limited. Because of this, hunting animals that were always abundant in the forests was necessary. The main target was most often deer. Their tasty meat was used as food, and the antlers were used to decorate the walls of rooms. Deer were hunted with the help of hounds. The dogs drove the animal into a pre-prepared trap, after which the hunters killed it with a bow or crossbow. Sometimes, the deer was so weakened by a lengthy pursuit that a knife could kill it. Wild boars have always been an alternative to deer. They also stand out for their tasty and nutritious meat, which was considered one of the main delicacies in the Middle Ages. Wild boar hunting was also used as training. With its help, beginners honed their shooting skills. In most cases, wild boars were simple rivals. The mating season was chosen as the time for its holding to complicate the task a little and make the hunt more exciting. During this period, boars became more aggressive and could move faster. The vast number of these animals in the forest made getting several large trophies in one hunt possible. This raised the status of hunters and gave them great pleasure. Dogs were also used for hunting boars. They drove the game into a trap, not allowing it to escape. After that, the hunters only had to approach the boar and kill it with arrows. In some countries, these animals were hunted exclusively with a unique spear.
Among predators, the most popular game were wolves and foxes. These animals were hunted because of their magnificent skins used to sew clothes. Predators were also killed to protect the population of deer and boars. Each country had its methods of hunting wolves and foxes. In most cases, dogs were used for this, significantly simplifying the hunter's work. Uncontrolled extraction of such a game sometimes led to the fact that wolves and foxes wholly disappeared from the territory of hunting grounds. In some countries, bear hunting was also popular. This animal was a dangerous and challenging opponent, so its catch became proof of the hunters' professionalism. Among small game, the most popular were rabbits, hares, badgers, otters, and waterfowl.
The influence of medieval hunting on the cuisine of different countries
Hunting was an integral part of life for people of different social groups in the Middle Ages. For some, it was a way to obtain food; for others, it was just an exciting pastime. Despite this, hunting significantly impacted the cuisine of different countries. It changed people's culinary preferences and created many unusual dishes.

Access to unlimited amounts of meat
In the Middle Ages, hunting was a popular pastime among aristocrats. It provided them with unlimited meat, making this product the main one at any festive table. At that time, the game was considered a delicacy. This vital nuance drew even more attention to hunting, which could provide people with such a valuable food product. To obtain more meat, hunters improved their methods of securing game and organized hunts more often. Thanks to medieval hunting, people could satisfy their own venison needs. This tender, tasty, and dietary meat in different countries was prepared in dozens of ways and served on holidays. It was also one of the ingredients of many dishes. In addition to venison, hunting opened access to wild boar meat. This animal was widespread almost everywhere in the Middle Ages so that hunters could get it in huge quantities. Wild boar meat became one of the leading products in many cuisines worldwide. Its rich taste was appreciated even by representatives of royal families and rulers of various states. They introduced this product into their diet and never refused it. Thanks to hunting, the meat of wild birds also appeared in dishes of different cuisines worldwide. It was obtained in large quantities in the Middle Ages, so cooks experimented extensively with recipes and cooking methods. This process resulted in the appearance of many popular dishes. The most popular meat in the Middle Ages was pheasant, partridge, duck, goose, and crane. Each country had its culinary preferences, which often depended on what kind of birds the hunters could get.

Increase in the number of dishes.
Hunters got meat, and cooks cooked it. This process was continuous, so people had to eat the same dishes almost daily. As a result, venison roasted over an open fire stewed wild boar meat, and other similar delicacies quickly became boring for the aristocrats. To diversify the diet, cooks experimented and came up with new dishes. This is how many recipes appeared that humanity uses in the 21st century.
The abundance of game in the forests and the professionalism of the hunters of that time forced cooks to serve new meat dishes daily. In cases where this was impossible, they had to look for unique ancient recipes unknown to the aristocrats. In some countries, special cookbooks were even created, which cooks exchanged. These cookbooks gave them new ideas and helped improve existing dishes.
Ordinary people also contributed to the emergence of new dishes. Many were forbidden to hunt in the same forests as the aristocrats, so they found alternatives. Thus, their diet included various small game that could be caught in fields, swamps and rugged mountainous terrain, where no hunting was banned. Familiar people combine meat with vegetables and fruits that are available to them and prepare dishes from the liver, kidneys, and other entrails. This allowed them to get even more new original recipes.

The emergence of new ways of cooking meat
Dutzende ways of cooking meat were invented during the Middle Ages. At that time, people often hunted and caught a large amount of game. Thanks to this, they learned not only to fry meat over an open fire but also to make it fit for consumption in other ways.
One of the most popular options in the Middle Ages was cooking whole game. For this, a mechanical spit was invented. It did not need to be rotated by hand, which greatly simplified the process of frying the animal carcass. In such a spit, rotation was created using the so-called hamster wheel, in which dogs were used instead of rodents. In the Middle Ages, horizontal spits were the most popular. However, in some countries of Europe and Asia, they were made vertical. Skewer is a popular alternative to a spit. This device was invented in the 6th and 7th centuries, and since then, residents of some countries have begun to cook meat with its help.
In the Middle Ages, the method of cooking meat in unique clay pots was slightly modernized and again became popular. Despite the simplicity of this option, it allowed us to get the perfect result. The meat was simmered in pots, making it soft and tasty. In the Middle Ages, wild boar fillet and ribs were often stewed this way. Various vegetables were added to the meat, which became an excellent side dish. Another cooking method that became popular in the Middle Ages was baking in dough. When using it, the meat was cut into large and small pieces. Then, they were wrapped in dough and baked until done. As a result, even initially dense and tough meat turned out to be highly tender. Increase in the number of spices used.
The Middle Ages was when Europeans began to discover previously unknown lands. Their travels to India, America, Africa and other places made importing exotic products and spices possible. Their delivery to Europe was an expensive undertaking, so the cost of such ingredients was very high. Despite this, many were willing to pay a lot to improve their dishes' taste. Most often, exotic spices were used to cook game obtained during hunting. They helped to kill the unpleasant smell and get a more aromatic delicacy. Therefore, thanks to medieval hunting and the opportunity to eat the meat of hunted animals, spices became an essential part of the cuisines of different countries. The more they were added to game dishes, the higher the status of the person who hosted guests.
The lack of restrictions on game hunting gradually increased the use of exotic spices. This event had both positive and negative consequences. One plus was that new dishes with unusual combinations of spices appeared in the cuisines of different countries. At the same time, a shortage of spices developed, which meant that even members of the ruling families could not access them. However, the creation of new trade unions and numerous military conquests partially helped to solve this problem.
Ginger, pepper, saffron, and nutmeg were the most popular spices used to prepare game caught during hunting. These spices were added to meat dishes and supplemented with various previously available spices, resulting in hundreds of unique combinations that diversified the taste of food and made it more aromatic.

Expansion of options for using various sauces
Medieval hunting opened up new opportunities for chefs to implement culinary ideas. It provided the cuisine of different countries with dozens of game types, each of which had to be cooked specially. Despite this, most meat lost its juiciness after heat treatment. This forced chefs to actively invent various sauces and use them in all dishes containing game caught during the hunt. Thanks to this solution, the meat always turned out perfect and became a delicacy.
With the increase in hunts, there was a need to invent new sauces constantly. This was the only way to make the diet varied and suitable for aristocrats. This was achieved by expanding the list of ingredients added to sauces. In addition to the available spices, they began to use fruits, berries, and even honey. These products made it possible to obtain hundreds of unique combinations that complemented the taste of meat caught during the hunt. Wine is another essential ingredient that began to be added to sauces in the Middle Ages. It was produced in huge quantities in many countries, so cooks had complete freedom of choice. Various wines enriched the taste of sauces, which perfectly complemented game dishes.
Because hunters got much game, expanding the options for using sauces began. They were poured over ready-made dishes and used in the process of stewing meat. This made it possible to neutralize the unpleasant smell of game and emphasize the taste of this delicacy. With the increasing popularity of sauces, so-called "sauciers" even began appearing in the royal court's kitchen. They were specially trained people who dealt exclusively with sauces. They prepared them and came up with new recipes.

Culinary traditions of the Middle Ages associated with hunting
Hunting and cooking were always connected in the Middle Ages. In some cases, their interrelation led to the emergence of unique traditions. Many of these culinary traditions were passed down from generation to generation and existed for several centuries. Today, these culinary traditions are rarely observed by modern people, but their existence provides an opportunity to understand the peculiarities of ancestors' lives better.

Medieval feast
There were few holidays in the Middle Ages, so each became a significant event for aristocrats and ordinary peasants. On a holiday, people gathered together and had feasts. Some of these events were so large that they lasted a week or even more. Gradually, feasts became integral to any holiday and became a good tradition. In the Middle Ages, these events were associated with hunting. Most of the treats on the tables were prepared from the meat of hunted animals. For aristocrats, these were large deer, wild boars and roe deer. At the same time, peasants were content with small games that they could kill where they were not prohibited from hunting (in fields, meadows and in the mountains). Traditionally, the enormous feast was held on Christmas. On this day, representatives of the so-called high society (people with high social status) gathered in some estate and had real fun. The largest hall was filled with beautifully decorated tables with many candles and traditional medieval decorations. After the guests had taken their seats, the servants began to bring out the festive dishes. According to tradition, they were first shown to the estate's owners, then placed in a pre-designated place. Most of the dishes served consisted of meat. Roast venison, baked pheasant or other poultry, and meat pies should be highlighted among the traditional delicacies at a medieval feast. These dishes were prepared exclusively from games that could be caught during the pre-holiday hunt. Salads, bread, cheeses, wine, and spices were always on the tables and served to the guests on a special tray. Various entertainments often accompanied the Christmas feast. In cases where the holiday lasted for several days, hunting became one of the entertainment. It was as large-scale as the feast.
The Christmas feast was utterly different among the peasants in the Middle Ages. Only family members and close relatives were present. Various rituals, entertainment, and, of course, a meal accompanied such events. Most of the dishes for the holiday were prepared from home-grown vegetables, beans, and grains. They also contained much meat, which was obtained by hunting. The most popular games among peasants were rabbits, hares, partridges, and waterfowl. Traditionally, they were cooked whole and eaten by the entire family. They did not even throw away the liver, kidneys, and other entrails. They made various dishes from them, which were used to treat all hungry people.

Cooking inedible animals
In the Middle Ages, people knew much less about food than today. They ate everything they could while hunting without considering possible negative consequences. This tradition was part of the lives of not only peasants but also representatives of high society. In some cases, cooked inedible animals were used as decoration or as a visual example of the cook's skills.
Many books dedicated to medieval hunting contain records of methods for catching various animals whose meat was considered inedible or tasteless. Such a game often became a backup option and was killed only if it was impossible to see traditional hunting species. At the same time, cookbooks of the Middle Ages described dozens of recipes for cooking inedible animals. Each record mentioned the purpose of these dishes and the possibility of serving them on holidays or other important events. The most unusual dish of the Middle Ages was fried swan. In many countries, it was considered an inedible bird, and its killing was often associated with various tragic events. However, most aristocrats ignored the signs and happily hunted such a game for themselves. Hunters tried to kill the swan so as not to leave visible marks on the feathers. After that, they gave it to the cooks. They carefully separated the skin (along with the feathers) and fried the bird whole. Before serving, they gave it its original appearance, using the previously removed skin with feathers. The result was an inedible dish used exclusively to decorate the table. The same was done with some other birds. For example, with peacocks. They were fried whole, after which beautiful peacock feathers were stuck into the cooked bird and placed on the festive table. Another traditional dish of the Middle Ages was guinea pig soup. This animal was considered a fish at that time, so it was often eaten. The rodents for the dish were caught using traps set in their habitats. After that, the guinea pig was gutted, cut into small pieces and added to other ingredients. The soup also included almond milk, some grain and spices. The finished dish was not used as decoration but was served to aristocrats for lunch. In some countries, even hedgehogs were cooked. Hunters gave them to cooks, who boiled the animals whole with secret herbs and spices. This way, the hedgehogs remained as lifelike as possible and became a beautiful decoration.

Coordination of the diet with the church
In the Middle Ages, the church greatly influenced all aspects of society. In many countries, it established its own rules and laws, which even representatives of high society obeyed. Therefore, it is not surprising that the church interfered even in the choice of daily diet. Over time, this became a tradition, and people living in the Middle Ages treated this phenomenon quite calmly.
In most cases, the church had a negative attitude towards any feasts. Even feasts arranged by the rulers of various states were often banned unless they were held in honor of some religious holiday. In the Middle Ages, a significant part of the diet was game caught during hunting. Her church allowed eating only between fastings. This created substantial restrictions for people for whom religion meant life. Only children, the elderly and the sick were allowed not to observe the fast. Despite all the prohibitions, hunters did not stop catching the game, meaning someone had to eat it. Because of this and other problems, the church has reduced the number of restrictions in some countries. In return, she demanded that everyone coordinate their diet with her representatives. Not everyone followed this rule. Members of the ruling family and other influential people often ignored the demands of the church and followed only those religious rules that they considered essential to themselves. The restrictions imposed by the church forced cooks to fantasize and devise an alternative to meat. Instead of hunting game, they prepared dishes that looked like fried venison or veal. This is how many unusual recipes appeared, which became popular in different cuisines worldwide for a long time. Hunters, forced to listen to the church's opinion, also adapted their favorite pastime to the existing requirements. During the period when meat could be eaten in unlimited quantities, they hunted daily. During Lent, hunters replaced live targets with artificial ones and honed their archery or crossbow shooting skills.

Eating game bred for demonstration hunting
This culinary tradition emerged when there was little game in the royal forests, and it wasn't easy to obtain it. Therefore, animals and birds were bred in captivity to allow the aristocrats to eat their favorite dishes and then released a few meters from the hunters. In this case, killing the game became extremely easy. As a result, representatives of high society were satisfied and received meat for a delicious dinner.
Specially trained people were engaged in breeding animals and birds. Most often, they were servants of aristocrats who had experience in such work (for example, people who bred horses or hunting dogs). Sometimes, this function was entrusted to peasants. They bred games on their plots and then sold them for hunting. Almost always, such animals and birds were well-fed, so they were more significant in size and weight and less mobile than their wild counterparts. This made them an ideal target, which was difficult to miss. For demonstration hunting and subsequent preparation, they bred mainly the game that did not require complex care and significant expenses. Pheasants, partridges, ducks, geese, and rabbits are the most popular species. They were kept in unique, cramped rooms where animals and birds could not move much. This led to a rapid increase in their weight and accelerated the moment of release into the wild in front of the hunters.
Demonstration hunting was used not only to get fresh meat for dinner. Beginners also used it to get their first game. Most often, they were teenagers entrusted with shooting a bow or crossbow for the first time. Having acquired the skills of killing animals and birds, novice hunters quickly adapted to ordinary hunting and immediately achieved good results. The tradition of preparing game that was bred specifically for hunting exists today. In many countries, it is the event's final stage and allows hunters to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages.
Medieval hunting is a historically significant activity. It was an essential part of the lives of representatives of different social strata and influenced many processes. Thus, hunting considerably changed the cuisine of other countries and made it possible to develop it actively. It also created favorable conditions for forming unusual culinary traditions, some still observed in the 21st century.