The main method for removing weevils from ship’s biscuits was to tap the biscuit on your elbow or a hard surface to make the weevils fall out. Another solution was to leave the biscuit out in the sun which caused the weevils to crawl out of the holes leaving them to be picked off by hand. For crew who could access the galley, another two hours in the oven would kill off the weevils – although it might not have been the best way if they were really hungry.
Sometimes, it was impossible to remove all the weevils and they were unwillingly eaten along with the ship’s biscuit. They had an unpleasant, bitter taste, but at least added extra protein to the meal!
