Lyu et al. (2024), in a recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, have made a significant advancement in the analysis of organic residues in ancient pottery, combining two powerful analytical techniques: lipidomics and proteomics. By examining pottery fragments from the Xiawan site in the Taihu Lake region of China, the researchers obtained a detailed picture of the dietary habits and culinary practices of a population living during the Songze period (ca. 5800-5300 BP).

Lipid analysis revealed a wide range of organic compounds, including medium- and long-chain fatty acids, sterols, aliphatic alcohols, and isoprenoids, which are the building blocks of fats, oils, and waxes. These molecular biomarkers allowed the identification of the food sources used, distinguishing between products of animal and plant origin. In particular, lipids characteristic of fish, terrestrial mammals, and plants were identified, suggesting a diversified diet adapted to the available environmental resources.