The First New World Cereal

Abstract

Setaria, foxtail millet, was eaten in quantity in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 4000-3500 B.C., with selection for grain size during the following 1,500 years, before maize was introduced to the valley. Setaria was eaten in quantity in Tehuacan, southern Puebla, Mexico, in 5500 B.C., but maize was being cultivated there by 4500 B.C., and there is no increase in Setaria grain size. Grinding techniques with Setaria are shown to have changed between 5200 B.C. and 900 B.C.