Chapter 1: The Frozen Bison's Discovery

In a remarkable intersection of history and culinary adventure, paleontologist Dale Guthrie hosted a unique dinner on April 6, 1984, where guests were served a stew made from an ancient bison. This wasn't just any meal; it was a taste of history itself, featuring a 50,000-year-old bison known as the Blue Babe.

What if you could not only read about history but actually eat it?

The Blue Babe, a specimen of Steppe Bison, was unearthed in 1979 by gold miners Walter and Roth Roman in Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon contacting the University of Alaska, paleontologist Dr. R. Dale Guthrie identified the bison as a remnant from the Ice Age, with radiocarbon dating suggesting it was at least 36,000 years old. However, according to Josh Reuther, Curator of Archaeology at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, it could be even older—at least 50,000 years.

Guthrie aimed to examine the bison but was concerned about its potential decomposition. To preserve it, he severed the head and refroze it, allowing for a more manageable extraction once the ice thawed in summer. When the bison was finally removed, it bore a striking blue, chalk-like coating due to a mineral known as vivianite, formed when phosphorus in the bones reacted with iron in the soil. This led to the bison being nicknamed "Blue Babe."

Scientists believe that the bison met its end due to an attack by an Ice Age predator, the Panthera leoatrox, an ancestor of the modern African lion, as evidenced by claw and tooth marks found on its remains. Thanks to its exceptional preservation, the bison's muscle tissue resembled beef jerky, and the bone marrow remained intact.

Chapter 2: The Legendary Dinner

Description: In this intriguing video, scientists discuss the experience of tasting a 50,000-year-old bison stew, highlighting the unique flavors and historical significance.

Guthrie, seasoned in hunting and accustomed to consuming frozen meats, approached the idea of tasting such an ancient animal without hesitation. Despite the abdomen's decay, they found the neck meat in excellent condition. Upon thawing, it emitted a "beef-like aroma" with earthy and mushroom notes. Given the toughness of the meat, the team opted to prepare a stew enriched with spices and vegetables.

The dinner, hosted in honor of taxidermist Eirik Granqvist, welcomed twelve guests who indulged in this extraordinary meal, complemented by wine. Guthrie described the dish as "delicious," and remarkably, none of the diners experienced adverse effects, as the bison had been preserved in a frozen state, inhibiting bacterial growth.

Chapter 3: Inspirations from the Past

Dr. Guthrie was inspired by tales of Russian scientists who had feasted on prehistoric mammoths found in Siberia. In 1901, a male Woolly Mammoth was discovered and later featured at a banquet in St. Petersburg, where it was purportedly consumed. Despite skepticism from some scientists, including P. Tolmachoff, who doubted the authenticity of such meals, Guthrie felt compelled to replicate the experience with Blue Babe.

In 1951, another Ice Age feast was organized by the Explorers Club in New York, although it turned out the meat was from a giant sea turtle rather than a prehistoric creature. Despite this, Guthrie's courage to partake in the Blue Babe stew proved fruitful, as he emerged unscathed from the experience.

The enduring question remains: Would you dare to try a 50,000-year-old bison?

Description: This video explores the history of the Blue Babe bison, detailing its discovery and significance in understanding prehistoric life.

The Blue Babe's saga reminds us of the fascinating intersections between food, history, and science. While many ancient meals have not survived the test of time, some, like the Blue Babe, offer tantalizing glimpses into a world long past.

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