A study from the University of Burgos reveals that Neanderthals in the Cueva de los Aviones planned their shellfish gathering. They did not consume them in summer, as they were aware of the risks of rapid decomposition and toxic red tides. They preferred autumn and winter, when shellfish have more meat and better flavor after their reproductive cycle.
Harvesting calendar: the first Neanderthal database 🐚
The analysis of archaeological remains shows a deliberate seasonal selection. Neanderthals did not act randomly; their strategy involved knowledge of the biological cycle of mollusks and coastal weather patterns. By avoiding summer, they reduced the risk of poisoning from toxic microalgae and food loss due to decomposition, evidencing a more complex resource management than previously believed.
How Neanderthals avoided spoiled shellfish without a fridge 🧠
While we scan supermarket barcodes, Neanderthals were already applying their own traceability system: if the shellfish smelled like summer, it was not eaten. Without labels or expiration dates, they applied the most basic logic: avoid marine toxins and rotten meat. A lesson some still need to learn at raw fish counters.