Abstract
This contribution lists the various known food plants for the 5th-12th century period, based on the analysis of carpological data issued from some 55 different occupations located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region. Based on the frequencies and the abundance of these plants, both cultivated and gathered, the plant economy is discussed. It appears that it differs significantly from earlier periods, while evolving during the medieval period. Naked wheat was dominant throughout the period, while hulled barley, well represented until the 10th century, subsequently declined in favor of rye. Legumes, less represented, are diverse but peas, beans, vetch and lentils are the most important. Grapevine and wine-growing also left their mark on the region throughout the period. Fruit trees and other vegetables, aromatics and condiments are discreet but used to a significant extent. On the other hand, a reflection on food plants as a social marker has shown that some of them (some fruits, aromatic plants) are found in high status sites. The presence of specific cereal species is much difficult to interpret in regard of the social contexts, because of a lack of precise data in urban environments and because rural sites can be both consumers and producers.