Iron Age Cultigen? Experimental Return Rates for Fat Hen (<i>Chenopodium album</i>L.)

Abstract

Archaeological finds of fat hen (Chenopodium album L.) from later prehistoric sites in Europe indicate that the plant was deliberately collected, perhaps even cultivated. Experiments are described involving the collection and processing of the plant, allowing the return rate to be calculated. The return rate is probably similar to that of cultivated cereals, which may produce more seed per unit area but require much more processing. Chenopodium album was therefore a viable potential cultigen.