Archaeological evidence from Durrington Walls shows that 90 % of animal bones belong to pigs, many of which were likely fed sweet foods like honey or berries. The glaze recreates that sweet, smoky flavor that Neolithic builders may have enjoyed during feasting events aligned with midsummer sun rituals.

While the exact recipe is unknown, evidence suggests that nettles were boiled in pots with locally available nuts such as hazelnuts and dairy products like butter. Some regions may have added wild onions or chives, while others used barley or emmer wheat as a thickener.

Honey was one of the few sweeteners available in prehistoric Britain, derived from wild bees. Tooth decay patterns on pig remains indicate a high‑sugar diet, so honey is used in the glaze to mimic the natural sweetness the animals likely consumed.

Feasting likely occurred during midsummer and midwinter solstices, when the monument aligns with the sun. Large gatherings would have featured pork, honey, berries, and hearty soups to provide energy for communal labor and ritual celebrations.

Complementary dishes could include roasted root vegetables such as parsnips, barley flatbreads, or a simple cheese made from goat’s milk. A fermented oat porridge would also reflect the grain use of the period.

The combination of sweet honey, tart blackberries, and smoky notes mirrors the limited sweet and smoky ingredients available to Neolithic Britons, offering a historically grounded yet delicious flavor profile that modern palates can appreciate.

Common errors include not removing the rib membrane, which prevents the glaze from penetrating, over‑cooking the ribs which dries them out, and skipping the second glaze step, which leaves the ribs lacking the signature sticky coating.

Liquid smoke replicates the smoky flavor that archaeological scorch marks suggest the Neolithic builders achieved by cooking over open flames, while keeping the process safe and practical for a modern kitchen.

Yes, the soup can be prepared up to a day in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

The YouTube channel Tasting History with Max Miller specializes in recreating historically inspired dishes, exploring the food culture of past civilizations, and pairing culinary experiments with travel and archaeological storytelling.

Tasting History with Max Miller combines on‑site archaeological research, interviews with experts, and modern culinary techniques, focusing on the scientific evidence behind each ingredient, whereas many other channels rely more on speculation or modern reinterpretations without deep archaeological context.