Like Lithuania, from the Middle Ages Polish cuisine was based on local produce like rye, meat and locally grown fruits. However, groats have always been Poland’s claim to fame. One thing that distinguished Polish cuisine from other European countries in the medieval times, is the use of seasoning; specifically black pepper, nutmeg and juniper. This is due to close trading relationships with the East, particularly Turkey and the Caucasus. Politics has had a significant influence on polish cuisine. The wars meant that Poland kept losing access to the Baltic Sea, which is why their fresh water fish is more common than, for example, the herring that is served in the neighbouring countries. Talking of which, due to the division of Poland and the constantly moving boarders, Polish cuisine incorporates a lot of same ingredients, methods and dishes of its neighbours. Interestingly, polish cuisine from history is welcoming to...
“Why not, after all. Stranger things have come to pass”. Jules Verne