While it's difficult to pinpoint the absolute earliest crop grown, the contenders for the earliest domesticated plants include:
1. Wild Wheat (Einkorn): This ancient grain, discovered in the Fertile Crescent, dates back to around 10,000 BCE. It was a crucial early food source for early civilizations.
2. Barley: Also found in the Fertile Crescent, barley was domesticated around 10,000 BCE. It was used for food, animal feed, and brewing.
3. Lentils: These legumes were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 BCE. They were a valuable source of protein.
4. Peas: Another legume domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 BCE.
5. Chickpeas: Domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 BCE.
6. Flax: This plant, used for its fibers and seeds, was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9,000 BCE.
7. Rice: Domesticated in China around 9,000 BCE.
8. Emmer Wheat: Domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9,000 BCE.
9. Dates: Domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9,000 BCE.
10. Figs: Domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9,000 BCE.
It's important to note that:
* The exact date of domestication can vary based on archaeological findings.
* Other plants, like gourds and squash, were also likely domesticated early on.
The Fertile Crescent (an area encompassing present-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey) is considered the "cradle of civilization" due to its abundance of early agricultural development.
