Examine the processing techniques of bitter manioc among South American Indians, acorns among North American

Question

One of the most difficult things to explain about the evolution of people's dietary habits is how they managed to learn to process toxic foods to remove their poisons. Examine the processing techniques of bitter manioc (from which various foods, including tapioca, are derived) among South American Indians, and the processing techniques of acorns among North American Indians. Is there any accidental way people could have discovered how to consume these foods? If not, what steps would people have to go through to discover how to process them?

Answer 1

Good question...

A lot of it has to do with trial and error, as well as accidental circumstances!

Think of fermented beverages, for example...Stored grains got wet, and turned into beer...and fruits into wine!

Someone was bold enough to taste it, before disgarding it, and thought hmmmm, that's not so bad!