A group of academics have studied the remains of the ancient inhabitants of our planet Mexico, eaten by cannibals, to understand how they cooked human meat. The results of the work demonstrated that these dishes were cooked very civilized method.

In Tlatelolco, which is located near Mexico city, archaeologists have found human bones dated 700-500 years BC. Fragmentary remains of 18 men, ladies and children find accurate indicators of cannibalism. It was definitely obvious that their bones were broken after death, and the flesh cut off. Scientists wondered how ancient people were cooking human meat - whether applied seasoning, cooked or roasted.

To test this, a group of Spanish and Mexican research workers analyzed the structure and color of the bones found by physical and chemical methods. The results of this work were published in the journal Archaeometry, reports Forbes. So, researchers have verified that in some embodiments, the human flesh cannibals boiled, some fried.

So, many of the remains were of red or yellow flowers. Researchers presented that yellow bones were welded with the introduction of numerous spices - chili peppers, pumpkin seeds and annatto (Mexican seasoning). These plants contain carotenoids - pigments that are known to own strong coloring effect. To audit their own hypotheses scientists cooked beef bone with the addition of spices and she bought the same yellowish tint as ancient remains.

The red hue of the remains was obtained from the fact that it roasted at high temperatures. During this procedure, the blood and meat juices are absorbed in the upper layers of bone that gives it this color.

In addition, the researchers reported that the recipes of food from humans in the ancient cannibals extremely reminiscent of classic Mexican cuisine. Folk group affiliation, areas which were seen bones, remains unknown.
sections: Society, World News