The surprising ingredients of the world's oldest fermented drink
In short: We often think of ancient wine or beer as the first beverages, but the truth is more complex. This video explores the chemical discovery of a unique, multi-ingredient fermented drink that predates Middle Eastern grape wine.
Chemical analyses of residues found in Neolithic pottery from the village of Jiahu, located in China's Yellow River Valley, have identified the world's earliest alcoholic beverage. Dating to approximately 7000–6600 BCE, this drink was a mixed fermented blend of rice, honey, and either hawthorn fruit or grapes.
This discovery is significant because it predates the earliest evidence of Middle Eastern grape wine by over 500 years. The research, involving an international team including Dr. Patrick McGovern, highlights how these early fermented liquids played vital technological and cultural roles in ancient Chinese society.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Was The First Beverage?
- Also: The Earliest Alcoholic Beverage in the World | Research - Penn Museum
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