Ever Wondered What Human Ancestors Ate Daily?

Eating has always been one of humankind's defining activities. Food is not just sustenance; it has shaped our evolution, influenced our social bonds, and even guided the path of civilisation itself. Today, we consider food preparation an art form, but have you ever wondered what our ancestors dined on before the advent of agriculture and modern cuisine?

From scavenged leftovers to carefully selected games, early humans adapted to their environment in fascinating ways. Let’s travel back in time and uncover the daily diets of Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and early Homo sapiens.

Homo Erectus (1.9 million years ago): The Original Grill Masters

Long before Michelin-starred chefs perfected the art of cooking, Homo erectus was already experimenting with fire. One of the earliest hominins to control fire, this species revolutionised the way humans consumed food. Cooking made nutrients more accessible, reduced the risk of disease, and, most importantly, provided a surplus of energy that fueled brain expansion.

What Was on the Menu?

• Meat: Large animals such as deer, boar, and even scavenged carcasses provided rich protein sources.
• Tubers and Roots: Think of these as the prehistoric equivalent of sweet potatoes, roasted to enhance digestibility.
• Fruits and Nuts: A forager’s delight, offering essential vitamins and healthy fats.
• Insects: Yes, crunchy critters were likely a staple source of protein!

Evolutionary Takeaway:

The introduction of cooked food was a game-changer. Research suggests that consuming cooked meat allowed Homo erectus to develop larger brains while reducing the energy spent on digestion. This leap in cognitive ability eventually paved the way for the emergence of complex societies.

Neanderthals (40,000 years ago): The Surf-and-Turf Enthusiasts

For decades, Neanderthals were depicted as purely carnivorous hunters. However, recent archaeological discoveries challenge this notion, revealing that Neanderthals had a varied and regionally influenced diet.

What Was on the Menu?

• Large Game: Reindeer, bison, and woolly mammoths were regularly hunted in colder climates.
• Marine Delights: Coastal Neanderthals feasted on fish, mollusks, and seals, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids.
• Plant-Based Foods: Studies of Neanderthal dental plaque revealed the presence of nuts, wild legumes, and even medicinal plants.

A Surprising Culinary Find:

At the Figueira Brava cave in Portugal, researchers uncovered remains showing that over 50% of the Neanderthal diet consisted of seafood—a stunning contrast to their landlocked relatives!

Evolutionary Takeaway:

Their adaptable diet suggests Neanderthals were skilled foragers and hunters, selecting nutrient-dense foods even in harsh climates. This diverse palate may have contributed to their survival for thousands of years—until they mysteriously disappeared.

Homo Sapiens (30,000 years ago – Present): The Ultimate Foodies

With advanced tools, cooperative hunting strategies, and an innate curiosity for taste, Homo sapiens expanded their diet like no other species before them.

What Was on the Menu?

• Diverse Protein Sources: From small game to large mammals, fish, and birds—early sapiens were flexible eaters.
• Plant Variety: Wild grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetables were collected and later cultivated.
• Culinary Innovation: Unlike their predecessors, early Homo sapiens began fermenting, grinding, and even baking food.

A Taste of Ancient Baking:

A remarkable discovery in Jordan revealed charred remains of flatbread dating back 14,400 years, long before the advent of agriculture. This suggests our ancestors were grinding wild grains and tubers into flour and baking bread—a revolutionary step towards modern civilisation.

Evolutionary Takeaway:

The ability to modify food, preserve it, and develop cooking techniques gave Homo sapiens a survival advantage, ultimately leading to the birth of agriculture and settled communities.

The Evolutionary Impact of Diet: How Food Shaped Our Brains and Bodies

1. Bigger Brains, Smarter Minds: Cooked food provides more energy, fueling the rapid expansion of the human brain.
2. Social Structures and Cultural Evolution: Sharing meals strengthened community bonds and laid the groundwork for early societies.
3. Adaptability: Our ability to eat a diverse range of foods allowed humans to thrive in environments from frozen tundras to tropical rainforests.

Fascinating Food Facts from the Fossil Record

• Ancient Spices? Evidence from a site in Denmark suggests that as early as 6,000 years ago, humans used garlic mustard seeds to season their food. Even our ancestors had a flair for flavor!
• The First Wine Enthusiasts? Residue analysis from ancient pottery in China suggests that humans were fermenting rice, honey, and fruit to produce wine around 9,000 years ago. Cheers to the first happy hour!
• Medicinal Eating: Studies show Neanderthals may have used mold-containing plants (similar to modern penicillin) to treat infections—a prehistoric precursor to antibiotics.

Bringing Ancient Flavors to Your Modern Table

While we won’t be roasting mammoth steaks over an open fire anytime soon, we can still take inspiration from our ancestors' diets:

Embrace Variety: A mix of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and fish keeps your diet nutrient-dense and balanced.

Cook Simply: Opt for grilling, roasting, or steaming to retain maximum nutrients—just like our ancestors did.

Ferment for Flavor and Gut Health: Try making your own sourdough bread, yogurt, or sauerkraut to tap into the ancient art of food preservation.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Meal

Food has always been at the heart of human existence. From fueling brain expansion to fostering social bonds and driving technological advancements, our dietary choices have shaped our species in profound ways.

So, the next time you sit down for a meal, remember that your plate tells a story millions of years in the making. Bon appétit!