The Big Detail You Probably Missed From Harry Potter's Hogwarts Feast Scenes
"Harry Potter" fans who are also foodies surely took note of the phenomenal detail J.K. Rowling put into her on-screen food and drinks.
Butterbeer is featured throughout the books as a go-to drink of the trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione, if you're not in the loop) that tastes "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch," according to In Literature. In the real world, the drink is available at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks at Universal Studios (via Orlando Informer).
Delish lists other popular foods featured prominently in the books and movies, including Canary Creams, Sherbet Lemons, and Chocolate Frogs. But perhaps the most impressive feat production pulled off was the food that magically appeared in the Great Hall for every feast. The Recipe notes that the feasts seemed to feature everything from savory options, like "beef, lamb chops, steak, potatoes, meat pies, [and] sandwiches," to sweet dishes, like "puddings, tarts, eclairs, and jams." But there's one magical thing you may not know about the Great Hall movie scenes. Potterheads, buckle up, because your mind is about to be blown!
A feast for our eyes and the cast's bellies
Ever wondered how they got all that realistic-looking food and how the cast made their meals look so real? Well, it's because it was — at least in the first film! Seventeen shared that all the food featured in the Great Hall scenes during the first film was 100 % real, stating that "Harry Potter" director Chris Columbus would have it no other way because he wanted to ensure the film's food was just as it was described in the book.
But according to The Mirror, there was a downside to all these delectable treats — the smell. Because of the volume of the food and the fact that it would be left out for days to accommodate filming needs, the set would often take on a rotting odor. Speaking to BANG Showbiz, actor Warwick Davis said, "The first day you step in there, they serve you a plate of food with lots of meats, vegetables and roast potatoes and you can eat the food. The next day, they go, 'Don't eat the food' ... you just pretend now, it's been there all night. The fourth day, you could smell the Great Hall before you got in it."
Following the first film, staff began freezing food and using molds to create authentic-looking meals.