Filter

WHY?

WHERE?

Social Media
Fb Ig
  • pl
  • Why: Siege Where: Netherlands

    Tulip bulb

    In the winter of 1944-1945, known as the Hunger Winter, many Dutch people were forced to eat tulip bulbs to survive. The bulbs were either boiled or ground into flour to prepare a bitter but life-sustaining meal.

    Ingredients:

    • Tulip bulbs (preferably young, fresh)
    • Water
    • Salt (optional)
    • Fat or butter (optional)

    Preparation:

    1. Peeling the bulbs:
      • Thoroughly peel the tulip bulbs, removing the outer brown layers. It is important to eliminate any contaminants, such as dirt or sand.
    2. Removing the core:
      • Cut each bulb in half and gently remove the central part of the bulb. The core may contain toxic substances, so removing it is crucial.
    3. Cooking:
      • Place the cleaned bulbs in a pot of water. If you have salt, add a little to the water. Cook the bulbs over low heat for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft. Cooking reduces their bitter taste and neutralizes potential toxins.

    Note: Tulip bulbs can be toxic, and consuming them was an act of desperation under extreme conditions. They are not recommended for consumption today.

    Famine was primarily caused by the deliberate blockade of food and fuel supplies by the Germans. The Hunger Winter in the Netherlands affected up to 4.5 million people. Approximately 20,000 civilians, including mainly children and elderly men, died directly from malnutrition.

    Source: De Jong, Louis. The Dutch Under German Occupation 1940-1945. Stanford University Press, 1990.

    Dodaj przepis