Editing Food and drink (section)

===Winter===

Winter was the most challenging time for food availability. People relied on what they had preserved or stored during the autumn.

'''Vegetables:''' The main vegetables would be root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and beets, which could be stored for months. Onions, leeks, and garlic were also staples. Dried peas, lentils, and beans were a critical source of protein and could be made into hearty stews and pottages.

'''Fruits:''' Fresh fruit was largely unavailable. People would eat dried fruits like apples, pears, and plums. Quinces were preserved in honey or made into a paste (similar to marmalade).

'''Nuts:''' Stored nuts were a vital food source. Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts were a common part of the winter diet, used in everything from sauces to desserts. Almond milk, in particular, was a common substitute for dairy milk, especially during Lent.