When it comes to gaining a better understanding of the prehistoric era and the people who lived in it, scientists usually have to dig a little deeper 

When it comes to gaining a better understanding of the prehistoric era and the people who lived in it, scientists usually have to dig a little deeper (and quite literally too) to find what they’re looking for. But the information that has been pieced together so far revealed that these ancient people were a lot more advanced that we give them credit for. Even their cooking habits resemble that of our modern world in many ways. Here are five examples of culinary methods from the prehistoric era. 1. Saharan Veggie Hot Pot The earliest known clay pots were found in the Far East and dates back at least 16,000 years. But it wasn’t until another 6,000 years later that humans would use said pots to cook food. After examining the remains of a series of broken pots found in the Libyan Sahara, it became clear that the Neolithic people realized that cooking food in pots instead of directly over fire made the food less gritty and ashy. 2. Cheese for the Lactose Intolerant When scientists stumbled upon a 7,500-year-old piece of pottery, they were shocked to discover that it was one used to hold dairy fats. This discovery proved that the Neolithic people of 5,500 BC not only knew how to make cheese but had mastered it too. This might also explain why humans domesticated cattle at such an early period since some people back then would have been lactose intolerant. Because cheese products contain way less lactose than pure milk, it would have been an ideal substitute that didn’t upset the stomachs of the Neolithic people. 3. Mesolithic Mustard As our prehistoric ancestors developed a wider taste in food, they set their eyes on making it more delicious. This desire gave birth to one of the world’s most well-known condiments, mustard. Though not just any mustard, but garlic mustard. After studying some cooking pots from Germany and Denmark, researchers found traces of mashed mustard seeds in them which meant that these people it added to their food for that extra kick. The pots, by the way, are nearly 6,000-years-old. 4. Ancient Tortoise Appetizers When the Qesem Cave in central Israel was rediscovered in the year 2000, it revealed something that archaeologists were not expecting: the remains of a 400,000-year-old tortoise appetizer. The poor animals were butchered with flint knives and the meat was roasted in the shells. They were most likely enjoyed by these ancient people as an appetizer, side dish and even dessert. The main dish however, was much heartier and filling, like ox, deer and horses. 5. Paleolithic Processed Flour Flour was not at all uncommon to our prehistoric ancestors. It turns out that cavemen were munching on wild oats long before modern agriculture came along. This was evidenced by the residue that was detected on a 32,000-year-old pestle-like grinding stone. They used this to create oat flour which was either boiled or baked into flatbreads. Other similar grains may have been a huge part of the diets of prehistoric people, something that archeologists are on the lookout for.

Culinary Methods from the Prehistoric Era

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