Getting to the root of the problem: new evidence for the use of plant root foods in Mesolithic hunter-gatherer subsistence in Europe

Abstract This paper presents new evidence for the harvesting of edible plant roots and tubers at Northton, a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer site on Harris, in Western Isles Scotland, north-west corner Europe. The excavations uncovered abundant root tuber remains Ficaria verna Huds. (lesser celandine), an excellent high energy carbohydrate-rich food source, produced first use Lathyrus linifolius (Reichard) Bässler (bitter-vetch) Here we report analysis charred other macrofossils from consider significance these results within wider context European subsistence. wide range taxa recovered sites importance appropriate sampling are highlighted.