A hard square biscuit or cracker that is made with flour and water only (unleavened and unsalted bread) Since it's very dry, it can be stored for years without refrigeration People can live for quite a while on just bread and water Hardtack is eaten by itself, dipped in coffee, or crumbled into soups Inexpensive, stable, and easy to transport, hardtack was a staple in military life throughout most of our history It was also the most convenient food for soldiers, explorers, and pioneers
"Army bread," or hardtack, was an unleavened cracker that became legendary among soldiers, and the butt of much ridicule and hostility Some Union troops quipped that their hardtack dated to the Mexican War and was none the less edible for that!
A large, hard biscuit made with unsalted, unleavened,flour and water dough It is baked and dried to give it a longer shelf life and has been used as a staple by sailors at least since the 1800's It is also known as ship biscuit and sea bread