Before potatoes became common in Ireland, the diet of the Irish was much more plant-based. There were a number of plants that were eaten, including beans, yams, corn, oats, and potatoes. These were mainly used for cooking and as ingredients for other foods. A variety of foods were also eaten, including meats, such as pork and beef, and poultry, such as chicken and eggs.
Salmon
Salmon has been a part of the Irish diet for many generations. Fishing is a popular activity in Ireland. There are countless restaurants that feature seafood. In addition to the classic salmon, there are a variety of other fish.
Salmon was also the main dish at royal banquets in ancient times. It was roasted on an open fire and served with a sauce made from butter and honey.
Salmon has a smooth texture and a fresh taste that is perfect for pairing with a variety of foods. The most common cooking method for salmon is poaching.
Beef
Those who have studied prehistoric Ireland are well aware that the early Irish diet was rich in dairy products. This included milk, cheese and curds. Aside from dairy, they ate meats such as mutton, wild game and pork.
Historical records show that Irish people did not eat potatoes. But they did eat some vegetables. In fact, oats were one of the common grains used in the Irish diet.
Potatoes were introduced to Ireland around 1590. However, the introduction was more of a curse than blessing for Ireland.
Pork
The Irish diet before potatoes consisted of a good balance of meat, vegetables, dairy, and grain. Meat was the staple food in the rural economy, while cattle and sheep were the main crops. Cattle and sheep were both kept for wool and milk.
Meat was cooked on wooden spits and in pots. Sometimes, it was marinated in salt and honey. Occasionally, a dish of meat was offered at the table for dipping.
Fish was the standard diet in coastal communities, but it was not popular in the countryside. Before the introduction of potato, the Irish drank milk and butter. They also ate wild fruits, such as raspberries and rowanberries.
Eggs
Before the arrival of potatoes in Ireland, the food was more of a mix of grains, meat, and indigenous vegetables. There were also a few wild greens to be had.
The Irish diet before potatoes included oats. They used oats for bread and for making oatcakes. Oats were also the most popular grain in Ireland.
Irish people consumed a large amount of dairy products. It was important to keep plenty of milk in the home. This was especially important during winter months, when many people became ill due to lack of food.
Birds
Before the introduction of potatoes in Ireland, the diet of the Irish revolved around grain, meat and dairy. While the population of Ireland had swelled to over eight million people by 1840, the population was still largely poor. Until the potato became available, the dominant economy of Ireland was based on the herding of cattle.
Cattle were kept for the production of milk and meat. The number of cattle held also showed a man’s wealth. In some areas, farmers bled out the cattle and fried their blood instead of eating the animal. This practice is commonly mentioned in sources.
Plants
Before the potato, Ireland was primarily a meat and dairy producing nation. Cattle were the dominant rural economy. In addition to cattle, the Irish cultivated many edible leaf plants and grass seeds. They also collected wild edible plants for immediate consumption.
Other important foods in the pre-potato Irish diet were garlic, parsnips, cabbages, onions, and oats. These crops were often used for cooking and were prepared in numerous ways.
One of the most important foods in the pre-potato era was oats, which could be stored for long periods of time. This food was a great thickening agent in soups and stews. Oats were also a popular cash crop.
Traditional Irish dishes
Traditionally, Irish dishes before potatoes focus on the use of fresh vegetables, seafood and dairy products. However, the introduction of the potato in the late sixteenth century dramatically changed the diet of the Irish.
Before the potato, the Irish diet was based on meat, grains, fruit, wild greens and a number of vegetable varieties. The indigenous vegetables and herbs that were common in Ireland included carrots, cabbages, parsnips, onions and garlic.
In addition, the Irish ate fish, especially along the coastline. Cattle were the main animal in the rural economy, and were slaughtered during the cold months.