A perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot, or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which foodstuffs are placed and cooked, continuously. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquid are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer if properly maintained. The concept is often a common element in descriptions of medieval inns.
Foods prepared in a perpetual stew have been described as being flavorful due to the manner in which the ingredients blend together. Various ingredients can be used in a perpetual stew such as root vegetables, tubers (potatoes, yams, etc.), and various meats.
So we’re germs like an issue with this? Or was it okay because it was always kept heated? I mean, obviously they theu didn’t know about germs in the middle ages, but they still woulda been there.
We’re not germs, you! ;)
As long as it is always kept hot then it shouldn’t be any problem at all. It can never be allowed to cool for very long though.
Completely unrelated but I didn’t know underscores could also denote italics
So also keep it on while sleeping? Sounds a bit scary. I guess back in the days someone was chosen to keep the fire running anyways but nowadays? Also turnover wouldn’t happen for a few hours.
Back then the fire in the stove was also what heated your home.
And lighting fire was very difficult, so you kept it burning.
I sure the occasional person was unlucky and got a bowl that wasn’t cooked enough. There’s also a big difference between adding more to an 80% full pot vs a 20% full one for ingredient turnover.
The constant heat and the constant turnover of food/water keep it food-safe