Charred remains

Plant remains affected by high temperatures in the past (about 200-280 °C, or higher), and when oxygen was limited due to diverse events and activities such as cooking, drying or fire accidents. In archaeological sediments cereal and legume grains are mainly preserved this way. Archaeobotanical remains can be preserved also by waterlogging, desiccation, mineralisation or as imprints in clay used for pottery or buildings.