Final answer:
The original question does not provide enough context to determine what meat the family ate before the rice ripened. Historically, preservation methods like drying, smoking, or salting were crucial for maintaining a supply of meat. The choice of meat likely varied based on geographical location and available resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asked appears to be specific to a certain historical context or a text related to the diet and agricultural practices of a community. Without a direct reference to the text or the knowledge of which family and culture the question pertains to, it's challenging to provide a specific answer. However, drawing on the provided reference information, there is no clear answer to what meat the family lived on before the rice ripened. It's important to look at historical diets in relation to what was available in the geographical area and time period.
For example, in the Pacific Northwest, an important source of protein for the people was salmon, as seen from the reference question 6. In terms of global historical diets, before refrigeration and modern preservation techniques, families often dried, smoked, or salted meats to preserve them. The preservation method likely depended on regional practices and available resources. Test Yourself question 1 and 4 provide hints about the geographical origins of certain animals and crops, suggesting that the diet would be influenced by what was indigenous or introduced to the area.
When considering the weight loss reference question 28, lean meats are generally advised for a protein source that can aid in weight management. But without specific information about the family in the original question, one can only speculate based on historically common preservation methods and regional diets.