250-year-old preserved fruits discovered in George Washington’s basement

In an astonishing archaeological discovery, dozens of bottles containing preserved cherries and berries have been unearthed from the basement of George Washington’s historic home at Mount Vernon. This remarkable find was made during an ongoing excavation project at the estate of the first U.S. President.

Mount Vernon archaeologist Jason Burroughs expressed amazement at the discovery, noting its unprecedented nature. “The discovery of fresh fruit after 250 years is extraordinary,” Burroughs remarked, highlighting the significance of finding completely preserved food from such a distant past.

Among the unearthed bottles, some contained whole cherries, while others held gooseberries or currants. The fruits are currently undergoing testing to confirm their identities. Mount Vernon is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct DNA tests on the recovered fruits. Additionally, over 50 cherry seeds found in the bottles are being examined to determine their viability for growth.

This find offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing potential insights into the dietary habits and food preservation techniques of the 18th century. It stands as a significant historical discovery and an exciting development for archaeologists and historians alike.