The evolution of the human diet is a history filled with intrigue and suspense. From learning how to hunt and eat meat to knowing which berries could cause stomach aches, our ancestors most likely experienced some steep learning curves. Fast forward a few millennia to the present day, where humans are now faced with somewhat similar choices... should we try the dodgy-looking, but cheaply priced restaurant that smells nice? Should we risk food poisoning or death if it may yield ecstasy? Given this behavior, it's only natural to wonder just how our ancestors knew what food was safe to eat. Or even why they were curious to try certain questionable foods in the first place.
Redditor The_True_John_Doe posed a question to the internet “What food made you think 'how the frick did our ancestors find out this was edible?'” They received numerous comments highlighting different kinds of foods, all in a great inquiry to marvel at and ponder why we humans could be drawn to some of the most questionable-looking, but tasty morsels in existence.
More info: Reddit
#21 Nopales
Nopales, a kind of cactus, and it's fruit have been a staple in Mexico for millennia. I've always wondered what went through our ancestors' heads. "That plant and it's fruit is covered in thorns...I bet they're delicious".
85points
#22 Truffles
anon said:
Truffles
ElectricErik replied:
If the pigs are eating it, it must be f*****g delicious
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84points
#23 Cranberries
cranberries. If I had tasted a cranberry without any knowledge of the berry, I would be certain it was poison.
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81points
#24 Onions
Onions: "hmm, wonder if I can eat this bulb... OH MY GOD MY EYES! WHAT'S THAT SMELLL???"
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80points
#26 Lye Fish/Lutefisk
Lye fish. Or "Lutefisk"... Don't get me wrong, I love the stuff but man..
First you go get a fish. Then you let it hang on a stick for months to dry out. Then you put it in water for a couple days. Then you put it in water with lye for another couple days. Then you put it in pure water again and then you cook it and eat it.
74points
#27 Noodles
Noodles. Like who thought of swinging the dough to make em stringy.
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71points
#29 Heart Of Palm
Heart of palm
"Ugh, i'm bored... I'm gonna eat this tree now"
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70points
#30 Acorns
Acorns. How hungry one must be to figure out to pound them to powder and leach out the tannins. Three times!
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69points
#31 Ackee
Ackee. It's a fruit, and most of it is poisonous, though part of it is edible. In Africa, where it's most common (as far as I know) it's generally not eaten, but in Jamaica it is. It's eaten a lot. Our **national dish** is ackee and saltfish, and our national fruit is ackee.
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62points
#32 Caviar
Caviar, I imagine them say yum fish eggs and eating them, and then selling the to rich people.
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61points
#33 Guinness/Coke/Or Any Black Drink
Not even 'ancestors' - how did drinks like guinness or coke become a thing?
"Bro try this" "uh, no. That drink is black." "Yeah good call"
Vegemite is the same principle but in that case it was *literally* created as a prank from brewery waste products but then the prankee went "it's not bad tho".
"Bro try this" "uh, no. That drink is black." "Yeah good call"
Vegemite is the same principle but in that case it was *literally* created as a prank from brewery waste products but then the prankee went "it's not bad tho".
Actually, I think I just answered the question. They did it on accident or were tricked/goaded into trying it, they did, and when it didn't kill them the consumable caught on.
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58points
#34 Olives
Olives seem like they could be poisonous IMO. Don’t @ me
49points
#35 Fugu
Fugu; like how did they find out that only a specific part of a blowfish wasn’t poisonous when correctly cut?
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48points