Canary Islands' Ancient Lentils: A 2,000-Year-Old Agricultural Insight

Researchers from Linkoping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have made significant discoveries regarding ancient lentils in the Canary Islands. Their analysis reveals that lentils were first cultivated there nearly 2,000 years ago.

This research was based on ancient lentil seeds recovered from underground storage silos carved into the volcanic rock of Gran Canaria, dating back over a millennium. The scientists compared the genomes of these ancient lentils with modern varieties grown in the Canary Islands, Spain, and Morocco.

The findings indicate that the lentils currently cultivated in the islands are descendants of varieties introduced by North African migrants in the third century A.D. This migration predates European contact, which began in the 1300s.

Jenny Hagenblad from Linkoping University noted that the new European settlers adopted the agricultural practices of the indigenous populations, which included the cultivation of these lentils. She emphasized that these ancient lentils were likely well adapted to the local climate.

The study suggests that local women, who may have intermarried with European men, played a crucial role in deciding which crops to grow. Jonathan Santana from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria pointed out that the study also revealed diverse types of lentils being cultivated across different islands.

This challenges previous assumptions about lentil agriculture in the archipelago, as some islands were thought to have never grown lentils. Preserving these lentil varieties is critical, as genetic diversity can significantly benefit future agricultural practices.

The research underscores the historical significance of agriculture in the Canary Islands and provides insights into the dietary habits of its ancient inhabitants. This study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, is a part of the broader field of archaeogenetics, which seeks to unlock the genetic history behind ancient agricultural practices and their evolution over time.

The implications of these findings extend beyond historical perspectives, potentially impacting future agricultural strategies in similar climates. Sources indicate that understanding the genetic lineage of these lentils may offer valuable resources for resilience in agriculture amid changing environmental conditions.