When humans stopped being nomadic and became sedentary, we settled in villages. That was when agriculture was born and we learned to grow our own food. Around that same time, we began to domesticate certain animals. This made it possible to maintain a steady food supply. Animals provided meat, milk, and hides. At first, legumes, wheat, and barley were cultivated. Goats, horses, cows, sheep, poultry, and pigs were raised.
With more free time, humans began making crafts such as textiles, basketry, and pottery. Mead was invented using water and fermented honey, giving rise to the first alcoholic beverage. Bread was also invented, and people began making cheese and yogurt.
Salt was used to preserve fish and meat and became the only mineral we eat. Salt was the first food preservative because it is antiseptic and dehydrating, thus extending the shelf life of food.
These basic beginnings paved the way for food self-sufficiency.
