Ancient Diets Were Surprisingly Sophisticated, Latest Research Reveals

Forget the image of prehistoric humans simply roasting large game over an open fire. New research suggests our ancestors, living between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago in northern Europe, enjoyed a surprisingly varied and refined diet, complete with evidence of “recipes” and selective cooking practices.

Foodcrusts Reveal a Complex Paleo Diet

A study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE examined “foodcrusts” – residue left on ancient pottery shards – to gain insights into the culinary habits of early Europeans. Oliver Craig of the University of York, a co-author of the study, explained that analyzing these remnants provides a more accurate picture of the paleo diet than previous methods that relied on analyzing bone fragments from cooking fires. Source

Researchers analyzed 85 pot shards, finding identifiable plant fragments, roots, tubers, and leaves on 58 of them. The analysis too revealed traces of carp and other freshwater fish, viburnum berries (similar to cranberries), amaranth, beets, and oak-leaved goosefoot – an edible weed.

Evidence of Culinary Skill and Selective Cooking

The study indicates that ancient cooks weren’t simply throwing ingredients into a pot. “They were remarkably selective in what they cooked, too, and how,” Craig said. “It’s as if they were working out ‘recipes.'” Source This suggests a level of culinary knowledge and intentionality previously underestimated in prehistoric societies.

The findings challenge the traditional view of early human diets and open up new avenues for understanding the development of cooking and food culture. It prompts questions about how these meals were served – “Plated or family-style?” – and what beverages might have accompanied them.