What did pirates actually eat?

Vegetables and meat were usually pickled or salted to preserve the food. Ships on long voyages relied on biscuits, dried beans and salted beef to live. For drinking, seamen chose beer or ale rather than water.

What did pirates really eat?

Dried food, such as beans, pulses and sea biscuits were the main staple on long voyages as well as salted meat and pickled vegetables and fruit. Because the supply of fruit and vegetables lasted such a short amount of time, pirates would frequently suffer from malnutrition caused by lack of vitamin C.

What did pirates eat to prevent scurvy?

The British began storing citrus fruits on board all of its ships. The British Navy gave its sailors limes or lemon juice rations to ward off scurvy – earning them the nickname of "Limeys" among the American sailors who didn't know about or believe in the preventative treatment.

Why did pirates not drink water?

During the Golden Age of Piracy, it was very difficult to find fresh and clean drinking water, even on dry land. For pirates on the open sea, it was almost impossible to transport and maintain an adequate supply of fresh drinking water onboard. Because of this, many seamen drank grog, beer or ale as opposed to water.

Did pirates eat lemons or oranges?

Plus not eating enough good food often made them sick. Scurvy was common, due to a lack of vitamin C (found in lemons, limes and oranges). Pirates knew they'd got it when their teeth started falling out, their skin went pale, their legs got very fat and they had to keep racing off to the toilet.

What Did Pirates Eat?

What did pirates drunk?

According to most accounts, the principal beverage that pirates drank was rum, although ale (beer) was also served on most pirate ships. Ale was usually only available on shorter journeys or at the beginning of a long adventure because it would turn bad over time.

Why do pirates have yellow teeth?

They didn't brush their teeth.

It wasn't until 1938 that the modern toothbrush was invented. Until then, if pirates cleaned their teeth at all it would have been with a “chew stick” which was less than effective at keeping teeth clean and plaque at bay.

Did pirates ever shower?

Bathing or washing was pretty much a no-go on a pirate ship as water could not be wasted; those who fancied a shower would have to stand outside in the rain and risk pneumonia! Visiting the bathroom, however, was a much more feasible exercise, thankfully.

How often were pirates drunk?

Water, rum, and lime was the pirate's well-known drink of choice. The navy also used this drink for their sailors, so the sailors would stay hydrated, and this was rationed to them only two times a day, but the pirates drank their drink of choice anytime they wanted.

Did pirates get drunk?

Strong alcohols such as rum and brandy were often used on long voyages to disinfect stagnant water, and to sweeten the flavour. So you see; pirates were always drunk because even their water had alcohol in it.

What meat did pirates eat?

Chickens, cows and even goats were typically found on pirate ships. The livestock served multiple purposes. Chickens were a great source of eggs. Meanwhile, the cows and goats could provide a pirate crew with abundant dairy.

Did pirates eat bananas?

History. During the Age of Piracy, bananas were used as a food by many people, including pirates.

Why do pirates lack vitamin C?

When pirates sailed the seven seas, they lacked fruits and vegetables in their diet and sometimes got a condition called scurvy.

Did pirates brush their teeth?

Pirates Did Not Brush Their Teeth!

The toothbrush that we use today was not invented until 1938; long after pirates sailed the seven seas. If pirates ever did clean their teeth it would have been using a "chew stick" which was not a very effective way to keep teeth clean and free of plaque.

Why did pirates not eat fish?

Despite being at sea, pirates were not known to eat fish because fishing was too time consuming and they weren't able to catch enough fish to make it worth it. Instead, dried plants, beans, and legumes were popular foods that provide fiber for pirates at sea.

What was pirate hygiene like?

Pirates were very well known for their lax personal hygiene habits, and in fact the term “pirate bath” refers to a quick wash wherein you was only your private parts and armpits with water (in the case of pirates this was often seawater).

What time did pirates go to bed?

Bedtime was set at eight o'clock each night and all lights and candles had to be put out at that time. If any of the crew stayed up drinking, it had to be done up above on the upper deck. All pistols and cutlasses/knives were kept clean and in good working order. No women were allowed on board.

Who was the most brutal pirate?

His given name was John David Nau. He was born in France but came to the Caribbean when young as an indentured servant. Once he had gained his freedom, he joined the Buccaneers and was apparently one of the most violent sociopaths among them.

How did pirates pee?

Urination was either into buckets or directly over the side. Some men did urinate against the side of the ship or onto the deck. If they were high up in the rigging it would be impractical to climb down to carry out a simple bodily function.

What disease did pirates get?

Scurvy is a clinical syndrome that results from vitamin C deficiency. Tales from pirates and British sailors made the disease infamous.

What was the life expectancy of a pirate?

In general, the life of a pirate was often short lived. Many pirates lost their lives during battle, or became ill and passed away. On average, the life expectancy for pirates was no more than two years. Oftentimes, their families never even knew what had happened to them.

Why are there no female pirates?

On many ships in the Golden Age of Piracy, women were prohibited by the ship's contract (required to be signed by all crew members) due to being seen as bad luck and due to fears that the male crew members would fight over the women.

Why did pirates have black eyes?

Some assume pirates wore eye patches to cover a missing eye or an eye that was wounded in battle, but in fact, an eye patch was more likely to be used to condition the eye so the pirate could fight in the dark.

Why did pirates have black around their eyes?

Over time, swashbucklers who often found themselves embroiled in combat had learned how to adapt. Of course, the only way to move stealthily through the dark of night was to utilize your eyes to the fullest. By wearing a patch over one eye, pirates could “trick” their vision into adjusting to darkness more quickly.

Why didn't pirates brush their teeth?

Brushing Teeth Simply wasn't an Option

The modern toothbrush was not invented until 1938, which means pirates didn't have the proper tools to care for their teeth. The best tool they had in their time was the chewing stick, which was a small twig that would fray and create bristles as it was chewed.