Throughout history , time of famine and shortages have squeeze people to find nutrition in unexpected places . These challenging stop led to the discovery of unheard - of foods that became essential for selection . This clause explores these lifesaving foods that substantiate communities during the rough times .
Grass Pea
Grass peas have been a lifesaver during manyfamines , thanks to their ability to flourish in drouth condition . This resilient leguminous plant continues to raise even when other plants fail . High in protein , grass pea plant is various : citizenry use its dried seed in dhal or grind them into flour ( almorta ) while steaming or total its seedcase to soups . However , because of its potential toxicity in enceinte quantities , people often mix it with wheat flour to reduce risks . Grass peas have a racy root organization and efficient nitrogen - fix properties , and they adapt well to various filth , which realize them invaluable during intellectual nourishment shortages .
Tulip Bread
During theHunger Winter of 1944 - 1945 in Holland , the Nazis cut off food for thought deliveries , which lead to far-flung dearth . Amidst the scarceness , masses work to tulip bulb , which had n’t been establish due to the war , as a of the essence intellectual nourishment generator . They removed the toxic centers and peels , ground the bulbs into powder , and mixed it with salt and water to bake pocket-sized loaves of tulip bread . Though this bread tasted like sawdust , it put up necessary nutriment and helped many people outlive the harsh wintertime .
Stinging Nettle Soup
Stinging Nettle Soup has long been a lifesaver during famine , especially in Russia . These nourishing wild greens flourish early in spring and are rich in vitamin , branding iron , and calcium . Despite their sting , cooking neutralizes the chemical , have them secure to run through . forager wore gloves to harvest nettles , then sautéed them in lard or crude oil , tot weewee , stock , and sometimes redundant vegetables or center .
Sego Lily
The Sego Lily played a crucial role during famines . Native Americans and laterMormon pioneersrelied on its starchy bulbs when their crops fail . They often roasted , roil , or made porridge with these bulbs to offer essential sustenance . With its distinctive white , tulip - like flowers and deep - settle down stem , the Sego Lily is a revered part of the natural and cultural history of the United States .
Inner bark Bread
During uttermost shortage , people turned to inner bark bread , made from the inner bark of Tree like pine and birch rod , for survival . This centuries - old practice wasused by Sami peoplein Northern Sweden and communities in Finland during famines in the 1690s , 1860s , and the 1918 civil war . They harvested the inner barque , copious in vitamins A and C , by removing the outer layer and slice the stringy white inner layer . They ate the barque rude , boiled it for soup , dehydrated it , and ground it into flour for lucre . Often , they compound it with other ingredients to make a more sustaining meal .
Sugar Beets
Sugar beets , primarily grown for sugar yield , have attend to as a food source during shortages . High in fibre , manganese , vitamin C , atomic number 19 , and Mg , dough beets can be boiled , roasted , or terra firma into flour . Their greens are even more nourishing and copious in vitamin A , C , K , hepatoflavin , calcium , iron , magnesium , copper , and manganese . During WWII , isolated northern province and theDutch faminesaw boodle beets as an emergency basic . These various harvest cater full of life nutrition when other sweeteners and foods were scarce .
Pet Stew
citizenry often deal despairing bill to survive extreme nutrient deficit , admit consuming pets . During World War II , multitude frequently atecat stewin famine - stricken countries . Survival became the priority , making the approximation of eating pets , though unimaginable to many , a rough reality . Even today , some culture reckon dog and cat meat a traditional food .
Stirabout
Stirabout was a case of porridge made from oatmeal or cornmeal . It was a staple fibre in Ireland and Scotland during time of scarcity . This porridge was simple to prepare and furnish basic sustenance . The recipe include two - thirds Indian corn meal and one - third rice , prepare with water . During severe famines , like the one in Ireland , millions relied on adaily ration of stirabout and bread . Soup kitchens were established in the worst - affected areas . fuzz steam vats were used to educate large quantities of this alimentary porridge .
Prairie Turnips
Native to North America , prairie turnips were avital resource for autochthonal peoplesduring shortages , especially in the Great Plains . Rich in carbohydrates , protein , fiber , and all important vitamins , these tubers can be eaten naked or cooked . kinship group like the Lakota , Dakota , and Omaha heavily rely on prairie Brassica rapa , which they often dry and stored for wintertime . They also ground the roots into flour for fix moolah and other smasher .
Dripping Sandwiches
Dripping sandwiches , astaple during the Great Depression , serve stretch available intellectual nourishment and minimize wastefulness . Made by collecting sum drip and leaving them overnight to inspissate , these drippings were spread on a flimsy piece of bread with a bit of salt in the morning . These filling sandwiches provided essential fat , protein , and carbohydrates to keep mass nourished during tough meter .
Dandelion Salad
During the Great Depression , citizenry turned todandelion greensdue to their accessibility and nutritional value . When traditional greens became scarce and expensive , dandelions in fields and backyards offer a free , nourishing selection . Rich in vitamin and minerals , these special K offer essential nutrients when food options were limited . Their acid flavor was easily enhanced with simple fecundation made from inexpensive ingredient like acetum or oil , make blowball salads a cost - effective and satisfying repast summation .
Insects
In Southeast Asia , particularly during theCambodian famine of the late 1970s , insectsbecame an all important food source as people lived in forests where insect were abundant . Insects provided essential protein during famines , and turning them into flour maximized this resourcefulness . They dehydrated crickets and ground them into fine flour . They then mixed it with regular flour to make protein - packed flatbread . Other edible worm admit beetle larvae , adult beetles , ants , aphids , cicadas , and nightwalker .
Noni Fruit
Noni fruit ’s high nutritionary content made it a life buoy during dearth . Though it has a strong flavour and odor , noni fruit is packed with vitamin and mineral . Malayo-Polynesian appreciate it for its nutrition , especially during famine periods . During the Second World War , soldier station in the South Pacificlearned from locals to squander noni yield to maintain their effectiveness .
Hardtack
Hardtack is a dry , hard biscuit made from flour , pee , and sometimes salt , known for its long shelf life . It was a received ration for soldiers and sailors during long voyages or besieging . cheap and durable , hardtack provided sustenance when perishable foods were unavailable . Along with salt pork and corned beef , it was astaple for many militaries and naviesfrom the 17th to the early 20th centuries , making it an crucial food for thought during land migrations and military drive .
Yucca Roots
Whenpioneersfaced hunger in the southwestern deserts , they twist to the fibrous roots of yucca plants . Though tough , these roots were plentiful and mince when boiled . Pioneers used boiled yucca roots as a murphy substitute in soups and stews , providing all-important carbohydrate and nutrients . While yucca turn back saponin , which can be toxic in large quantities , simmering reduces this jeopardy .
Milkorno, Milkwheato, and Milkoato
During the Great Depression , Cornell University scientistsdeveloped Milkorno , Milkwheato , and Milkoato to help feed multitude . These combinations of juiceless Milk River and grains — Milkorno ( corn and Milk River ) , Milkwheato ( wheat and Milk River ) , and Milkoato ( oats and milk)—were versatile and inexpensive . They could be cooked like porridge or used in various recipes . Popular dish antenna included Milkorno polenta , Milkorno Apple Betty , and Milkorno scrapple .
