Staple Crops: The Core of Inca Sustenance Three crops formed the absolute cornerstone of the Inca diet and economy: maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Legacy of Andean Agriculture.
Inca Sustainable Techniques Modern Farming
Freeze-drying was used to create chuño, a long-lasting potato product exposed to freezing temperatures and trampled to remove moisture. This dehydrated potato could last for years, providing a stable food source for armies and communities during times of scarcity.
This polyculture method ensured that if one crop failed due to weather or disease, others would likely survive. The Agricultural Foundation of the Inca Empire At the heart of Inca food production was a deep understanding of topography and climate.
Inca Sustainable Techniques Modern Farming
They planted crops in a mosaic pattern, mixing different species to confuse pests and optimize space. Potatoes, however, were the daily sustenance for the common people; the Inca cultivated hundreds of varieties, selecting for resistance to frost, pests, and varying altitudes to ensure a consistent harvest.
More About Inca food and farming
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