3 million year old human ancestors ate… grasses

Analysis of tooth enamel samples from fossilized teeth of Australopithecus bahrelghazali remains found in what is now Chad indicate that their diet consisted of grasses and grass-like plants called sedges, according to a recently published study.

There is a wild grass which I have found growing in many places which produces tasty pods which, when picked at the right time after ripening are tender, but which become progressively drier over time.

I have often snacked on these pods while hiking and they have a flavor not unlike other grains. This made me wonder about how humans started eating grains and in light of this this new research is quite interesting.


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