Starch grain analysis reveals ancient diet at Kuahuqiao site, Zhejiang Province

Charred residues adhering to sherds of ceramic cooking vessels, pots (Fu), excavated from the Kuahuqiao site (8000–7000 cal a BP) in Zhejiang Province were examined using the method of starch grain analysis. Ancient starch grains were recovered from charred residues and were classified into 8 genera. Remains from rice (Oryza spp.), job’s-tears (Coix chinesis T.), bean (Vigna spp.), acorn (Quercus spp.) as well as possibly buckeye tree (Aesculus chinensis B.) were identified. Other starch grains from unidentified plants were also recovered. Tracheids with bordered pits from softwood fibers were also found, indicating that some food might have been processed with wooden tools. The range of starch grains in the charred residues adhering to the ceramic pots reveals the diversity of ancient plant foods at the Kuahuqiao site, Zhejiang Province.