Niamh said: “Scurvy is a disease caused by a Vitamin C deficiency and is associated with British sailors in the 18th Century who suffered from this disease as they didn’t have access to fresh ...

Niamh explained: "Scurvy is a disease caused by a Vitamin C deficiency and is associated with British sailors in the 18th Century who suffered from this disease as they didn't have access to fresh ...

Staples in an 18th century sailor’s diet included plenty of salt pork and sea biscuit. Daily grog rations were also a part of a sailor’s fare. The lemon in the grog prevented scurvy.

While a sailor’s work was demanding and the work environment was dangerous, sailors’ pay was comparatively good. An 18th century sailor could easily survive on the compensation he earned.

News Cleveland Museum of Art acquires masterful portrayal of 18th-century English high life Updated: Oct. 20, 2023, 10:08 a.m. | Published: Oct. 19, 2023, 8:00 a.m.

But in the 18 th century, sauerkraut was the difference between life and death for many sailors, meaning their leaders, their captains, had to find a way to convince them to swallow the vile stuff.