What did the people in New Hampshire colony eat?

The people of New Hampshire Colony, like most colonists, ate a diet based on what they could grow and hunt locally. Here's a breakdown of their common food sources:

From the Land:

* Grains: Wheat, rye, barley, and oats were the staples, used for bread, porridge, and gruel.

* Vegetables: Beans, peas, squash, turnips, carrots, onions, and cabbages were grown in gardens.

* Fruits: Apples, pears, and berries were popular, often preserved for the winter.

* Meat: While wild game (deer, rabbit, turkey, etc.) was common, livestock like cows, pigs, and sheep were also raised.

* Dairy: Milk, cheese, and butter were common dairy products, often supplemented by honey.

From the Sea:

* Fish: Cod, haddock, halibut, and salmon were abundant in the coastal waters and were important sources of protein.

* Shellfish: Clams, oysters, and lobsters were also available, though not as frequently consumed as fish.

Other Foods:

* Maple Syrup: Maple trees were abundant, providing a sweetening agent.

* Wild Herbs and Mushrooms: These were used for flavoring and medicinal purposes.

Important Notes:

* Seasonality: The diet was heavily influenced by the seasons. Fresh produce was only available for part of the year, so preservation techniques like pickling, drying, and salting were crucial.

* Availability: The availability of food varied greatly depending on economic status. Wealthier colonists could afford more diverse diets, while poorer families relied heavily on grains and vegetables.

* Variety: While the diet was generally simple, it was not necessarily monotonous. The colonists used various cooking methods and incorporated a variety of ingredients to create flavorful meals.

It's important to remember that the typical diet in colonial New Hampshire was:

* Limited: They didn't have access to the vast variety of foods available today.

* Hard-won: Obtaining food required a lot of hard work, from farming and hunting to preserving and cooking.

* Dependent on the environment: The colonists relied heavily on their natural surroundings for sustenance.

Overall, the people of New Hampshire Colony ate a hearty, if somewhat basic, diet that reflected their environment and their need for sustenance.