45 Things People Actually Ate in Colonial Times

Roasted Beaver Tails

Today, they're usually a protected species, but in the 17th and 18th centuries, beavers were hunted all over North America for their pelts. Hungry trappers stuck out in the wilds didn't want to waste any part of the beaver, so they ate the tails too.

It's been described as having a gamey flavor, but it was pretty much just fat. It became a popular dish throughout colonial America - almost as popular as the beaver pelts they originally came from!

My My, Eel Pie

Not many people today would consider an eel to be a delicacy, but in colonial times, eels were considered to be such a desirable dish that people in New England would actually use lobsters as bait to catch them. Eel meat was eaten in a variety of ways, but a popular way to prepare it was in a pie.

If you're keen on trying eel today, you might be interested to know that eels are still sold in shops in London and throughout England. Make a trip out there if you're feeling brave enough to try something your great-great-great-grandparents had for special occasions!

Ambergris (AKA Whale Vomit)

You may have known that whale vomit has been a component of perfume for centuries, but did you know that in the 1700 and 1800s, it was a popular ingredient in many luxury dishes as well? It was used in beverages, served alongside eggs, or added to hot chocolate in not only America but also around the world.

Ambergris is actually very hard to find since it's only produced by a small percentage of sperm whales. It forms on the ocean surface and floats, but will only rarely make landfall. Because of that, it's been a very valuable substance for years.

Weird Ice Creams

You may not know that ice cream was first introduced in colonial America in the mid-18th century, but it was with the advent of ice houses where it could be made and stored. Ice cream was a popular dessert and even in the beginning, there were tons of delicious flavors available.

You may also not know that ice cream wasn't all sweet at first - it was also flavored with eels, asparagus, or chestnuts, in addition to the normal sweet or fruity flavors.

Calves' Feet Jelly

You may not think of animals when you think of a substance like Jell-O, but its main ingredient is gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen. Colonists took this gelatin and made what's called calf's foot jelly, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Believe it or not, calf's foot jelly is still made in parts of the U.S. and around the world. You can find plenty of recipes online, and if you add sugar, it becomes a sweet dessert. Something to try next holiday?