The Egyptians used the main cereal crops of their fields for the staples of their daily diets: emmer for bread and barley for beer. Wheat was not known along the Nile until the Ptolemaic Period (304–30 B.C.E.). Early Egyptians also raised chickpeas and lentils, pomegranates, lettuce (of various varieties), onions, carob, garlic, and plants used for oils, such as sesame. Honey collected from hives was used as a sweetener, and there were condiments, spices, and oils, including sesame and olive. Most commoners did not enjoy the luxury of meat as part of their daily lives. Herds of cattle were large in many eras, however, and the Egyptians liked beef, mutton, pork—which was restricted in some eras—and goat. It is probable that certain species of antelope supplemented diets as well.
The Nile provided a variety of fish for the table, and the Egyptians became skilled at catching them. Fish were netted or caught in baskets, while spearfishing and angling were done from small rafts made of papyrus. There appear to have been some religious restrictions regarding the eating of at least one particular type of fish in particular districts. This custom was observed by priests and by the upper classes, while commoners gathered whatever came their way.
The Nile also provided a variety of waterfowl, which were caught in clap-nets and taken to poultry yards for slaughter. The two halves of the net were spread over an area and then snapped shut to ensnare the fowl. These fowl, however, were probably reserved for the upper classes. Pigeons were as common in ancient times as now and were used as a food source, perhaps even raised for that purpose. Ducks and geese were also plentiful, and during the New Kingdom (1550–1070 B.C.E.), chickens were introduced into the Nile Valley.
Grapes were grown in the western Delta and in the oases, and the Baharia Oasis was famous for its quality wines. The Egyptians drank both red and white wines, and the vineyards labeled them according to quality and variety. The favorite beverage of both poor and rich alike, however, was barley beer, made everywhere and kept in
vats. Pomegranate and date wines were also available. Other useful crops were the papyrus, date palm, and flax. Such plants produced sources of fibers and other materials.
