Ploughman's Lunch
AI-generated illustration
A Ploughman's Lunch is a traditional British cold meal, typically consisting of a hunk of crusty bread, a generous portion of cheese, pickles, and sometimes ham or apples. It's a simple, rustic platter that celebrates high-quality, often local, ingredients. The name evokes the idea of a hearty, no-fuss meal a field worker might carry.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein and fat from the cheese and meat, with carbohydrates coming primarily from the bread. It provides key nutrients like calcium, protein, and fats, with a typical serving ranging from 500 to 800 calories depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients chosen.
💡 What's interesting
The Ploughman's Lunch is a fascinating example of food marketing; its popularity was significantly boosted in the 1950s and 60s by the English Country Cheese Council's campaign to promote cheese sales. Nutritionally, it's a balanced, low-sugar meal that relies on fermentation (cheese, pickles) for preservation and flavor, making it a historically practical and satisfying lunch.