hardtack

Hardtack, also known as ship's biscuit, sea biscuit, or pilot biscuit, is a very hard, plain, baked biscuit made from flour, water, and sometimes salt. Due to its long shelf life and durability, it was historically used as a staple food for sailors, soldiers, and travelers, particularly on long voyages. Its simple ingredients and robust nature made it resistant to spoilage, a critical factor before modern food preservation techniques were available.

The production of hardtack typically involved mixing flour and water into a stiff dough, which was then rolled out thinly, scored with a pattern, and baked until extremely dry and hard. The scoring was not for aesthetic purposes but to help the biscuit cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up too much. The extreme dryness was key to its preservation, as it inhibited the growth of mold and bacteria.

Despite its longevity, hardtack was not typically considered a palatable food. Its texture was very tough and dry, often requiring soaking in liquid such as coffee, soup, or water to make it edible. Over time, it could become very hard, sometimes described as being capable of breaking teeth. Variations in quality existed, with some batches being more palatable than others. Hardtack remained a common ration well into the 19th century and saw use in various conflicts before being gradually replaced by more convenient and palatable rations.