What was food like before and after the French Revoltuion. And why did it change?
can someone help me please?
thank you.
Certainly! Before the French Revolution, the food in France was heavily influenced by the aristocracy and the clergy. The upper classes had access to a wide variety of luxurious and expensive ingredients, such as game meat, seafood, and fine wines. They would often indulge in elaborate and extravagant meals.
In contrast, the lower classes faced significant hardships when it came to food. They had limited access to resources and typically had to rely on basic staples like bread, vegetables, and grains. Meat was a luxury for them and was rarely part of their everyday diet.
During and after the French Revolution, significant changes occurred in the food landscape of France. The revolution marked a shift in power from the aristocracy to the working classes, and this had a direct impact on food habits and availability. The revolution aimed to establish equality, and this principle was also extended to food.
One of the main changes was the introduction of the "sans-culottes" cuisine, which championed simplicity and affordability. This cuisine emphasized using local and seasonal ingredients, such as potatoes, onions, and legumes. The mindset shifted from extravagant meals to more modest and practical dishes that could be prepared easily.
Additionally, the revolution brought about an abolition of feudal rights, which included the hunting rights of the aristocracy. This led to an increase in the availability of game meat for the general population. The revolution also had an impact on the wine industry, as vineyards that belonged to the clergy and nobility were confiscated and made available to the public, resulting in increased wine consumption by the masses.
Overall, the French Revolution brought about significant changes in the food culture of France, making it more egalitarian and accessible to all social classes, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.