The Simple Ships Biscuit

What do you get when you mix flour, water, and a pinch of salt? A dense and nearly immortal cracker. In the Age of Sail and before the invention of refrigeration, the need to supply sailors with calories while at sea was paramount. The invention of sea biscuits, also know as Hardtack, allowed for long distance sea voyages.

Unfortunately, the cracker itself was virtually inedible requiring to to be smashed into bits and mixed with water or rum before being swallowed. It was devoid of most vitamins and nutrients which led to outbreaks of scurvy. On the plus side, as long as they were kept dry, they lasted almost indefinitely.

Below a piece of Hardtack made in 1862 made during the Civil War! Now that’s what I call shelf-life!