A staple of survival on a nineteenth century tall ship was the Sea Biscuit. Known by a number of names such as “Hardtack,” it was a primary source of nutrition for sailors at sea for a month or longer. There was no way to preserve perishable foods on board the ship, so the cook had to rely on a ration of the very hard biscuits. The simple unleavened bread was often baked several times to ensure that every last trace of moisture was gone. The biscuit was so hard that sailors would dunk it in water, beer, wine; or if they were lucky, a stew. The Sea Biscuit was known to last for up to a year.

The Sea Biscuit is simple to prepare. A 4/1 ratio of flour to water with some salt added. The dough is then kneaded and broken into pieces that can be formed into the biscuits. A fork can be used to make the small holes that allow the pressure to escape. It is then baked at 250-300 until lightly browned; for 1-3 hours.

“We seem to have a very good mate and steward and I hope I shall have a pleasant voyage. We both have missed Arthur and I believe we should have sent for him if I could have thought of a good place to stow him away. Sophia calls for him occasionally and wants to see him in the Album which by the way is a favorite book of hers.”