From Hazel Beneke, Banksia Beach, Queensland, Australia
Did bread or beer come first? Michael Marshall claims it is still undecided. But his evidence doesn’t go back far enough (13/20 December 2025, p 46).
Grindstones with traces of grain, found at Cuddie Springs in New South Wales, have been dated to 30,000 years ago. And with evidence for occupation at Madjedbebe in the Northern Territory dating back to 65,000 years ago, it is likely that the starch residue on artefacts there is even older. Whether the seed at these sites were fermented or not is another matter.
