Mold and bacteria exposure and it's impact on the health of individuals is not a new subject. In fact it dates back to ancient Persia where they recognized the antimicrobial properties of honey. Legend says, in 323 B.C.E., Macedonia’s Alexander the Great was buried with a vessel full of honey. His body remained preserved for over 1,000 years until it was stolen. In 379 BC, ancient Egyptians also knew about the antimicrobial properties of honey and they recommended that honey be put on the wound to minimize risk of infections
The Nahua Mesoamerican Indian cultures in ancient times knew that mushrooms have medicinal and psychotropic effects on people. To this day, these fungi are used in religious ceremonies.
Bread, beer and wine making are probably the earliest beneficial uses of mold and bacteria by mankind. Though no one knows for sure who the first baker, brewer or somelier, the Bible makes reference to these types of recipes, particularly a recipe for making honey wine. It clearly notes the fermentation process. The "starter" pot of yeast, even before ancient Egyptians, knew how to make the bread rise. The starter pot contained a small portion of flour and water that was constantly growing yeast. Every day, a small piece was added to the daily portion of bread to make it rise. Equal parts fresh flour and water was added to replenish the starter pot.
Cheese use different bacteria. Cheese dates to the time when cattle were first domesticated throughout Europe and Asia during the Stone Age.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that humans found mechanical and technological ways to preserve food. Prior to these dates, the processes for making wine, cheeses, sauerkraut and other fermented foods were also present in early Roman times.
