There is a whole spectrum through the life of edible plants, from budding through fruiting, ripening, and from rotten through decay. At some point along there, roots, bark, fruit (including grains), flowers, leaves, etc will ferment. When the gatherers gathered, it was munch-a-bunch on the spot. But what they couldn't eat had to be stored. Anything stored with enough water was likely to ferment. The only REAL question would be about the time at which meats were cooked by fire. In other words; Which came first, the home-brew or the barbeque? Bon Apetit (burp) Roger Dr. Roger P. Budge -- Healer & Recovery Therapist -- Reasearch Director; Discovery Institute -- P. O. Box 197 -- Hampstead, MD 21074 -- Re-discover the ancient secret of healing: Essentail Oils -- [log in to unmask] Ask for a free copy of "Yesterday's Wisdom, Tomorrow's Destiny" by Jim Lynn --