Fruits have been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years. As ancient civilizations developed agriculture and began cultivating crops, fruits emerged as nutritious and delicious foods. But which fruit is the oldest that humans have been eating? Here, we’ll explore the origins of some of the world’s oldest fruits and uncover which one takes the crown for being around the longest.
What are the oldest fruits in the world?
Archaeological evidence shows that some of the earliest fruits eaten by humans include:
- Figs – Originated about 11,000 years ago in the Middle East
- Olives – Eaten for over 6,000 years, originating in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions
- Dates – Date palms grown in the Middle East may be over 7,000 years old
- Grapes – Cultivation began 6,000-8,000 years ago between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea
- Pomegranates – Eaten for over 10,000 years, originating in Iran and Northern India
These ancient fruits have long been staples in the human diet. Early civilizations relied on them as major food sources, due to their sweet flavors, nutrients, and the ability to dry them for storage. Their seeds also traveled along trade routes, spreading cultivation farther across the globe.
Which fruit is the oldest?
The oldest fruit that has been consumed by humans is believed to be the fig.
Archaeological evidence traces fig cultivation back to about 11,000-13,000 years ago in the Middle East. Remains of dried figs have been found in Neolithic villages dating back to 9400-9200 BC. Figs were one of the first plants ever cultivated by humans. Ancient dried figs have also been discovered in archaeological sites in the Jordan Valley, dating back to ~11,400 years ago.
In addition to archaeological evidence, figs are referenced in some of the earliest human literature. The Epic of Gilgamesh from Ancient Mesopotamia mentions figs as one of the fruits given to Inkidu by a hunter. Ancient texts also document ancient Egyptian pharaohs importing figs from Syria.
The exact origins of the fig remain unclear. But it likely arose from an edible wild fig species native to the Middle East. As humans began settling in agricultural villages, they started selectively breeding and cultivating figs for larger, sweeter fruits. This marked the start of the domesticated fig we enjoy today.
Why are figs considered the oldest fruit?
There are a few key reasons why figs are believed to be the oldest fruit in the world:
- Archaeological evidence – As mentioned, remains of dried figs have been found in Neolithic sites in the Jordan Valley dating back ~11,400 years. This is the oldest physical evidence of fruit cultivation and consumption by humans.
- Early literary references – Figs are mentioned in some of the earliest human literature, like the Epic of Gilgamesh from Ancient Mesopotamia. This indicates their dietary importance in ancient times.
- Origins of cultivation – Figs were one of the earliest plants intentionally planted and selectively bred by humans. Cultivation likely began in the Middle East over 11,000 years ago.
- Widespread trade – As cultivation spread, figs were heavily traded in the ancient world. For example, they were imported from Syria by ancient Egyptian kings. Their seeds traveled key trade routes, spreading fig cultivation farther.
- Favorable biology – Figs have a unique pollination dependency with fig wasps, which may have made domesticating them easier. Their ability to grow in hot, dry climates was also beneficial.
With evidence of fig cultivation stretching back over 11,000 years ago, alongside their presence in ancient human writing and trade, figs have strong claim to being the world’s oldest fruit crop.
Other contenders for oldest fruit
A few other fruits may also have been early fruits in the human diet. These include:
- Grapes – Archaeological evidence shows grape cultivation between the Black and Caspian Seas around 6,000-8,000 years ago. Grapes were vital to early winemaking.
- Olives – Olives have been harvested for over 6,000 years in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.
- Dates – Date palm cultivation likely began over 7,000 years ago in the Middle East.
However, for these fruits, the physical evidence connecting them to human cultivation and consumption is younger compared to figs. Figs stand out due to archaeological data tracing them back ~11,400 years ago.
The legacy of the oldest fruit
As the earliest known cultivated fruit crop, figs played a pivotal role in early human agriculture. Figs became a staple crop and food source, a cultural symbol, and even an object of worship in certain early religions. As cultivation spread from the Middle East, figs made their way along trade routes to Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and farther.
Beyond their ancient origins, figs have left a lasting culinary legacy. Dried and fresh figs are still produced and enjoyed all over the world today. Other fruits may not have the archaeological pedigree of figs. But there’s no doubt that early agricultural innovators changed the course of human history when they first decided to plant and cultivate fruit crops like the fig, feeding civilizations for millennia to come.