It’s #NationalBiscuitDay! Today, we’re going to tell you all about the ship’s biscuit. A thread 👇
The ship’s biscuit was a vital part of a seaman’s diet before the introduction of canned foods in the mid 19th century.
The biscuits were made from stone ground flour, water and salt. These were mixed into a stiff dough, baked in an oven for 30 mins and left to harden and dry.
See the clusters of little holes around the edges? They’re made by creatures such as weevils and maggots. Before eating, the seafarers would tap the biscuit to shake out the creepy-crawlies.
200-year-old biscuit, anyone? Dating from 1784, this biscuit was given to Miss Blacket at Berwick.
This fancy ship’s biscuit has a painting of a mountainous coast.
Check out this Christmas biscuit, which features a painting of the armoured cruiser, ‘HMS King Alfred’.
Still hungry? Have a go at making your own ship’s biscuit: bit.ly/recipeforships…
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