How did the Aztecs store food?

The Aztecs had a sophisticated system of food storage, employing a variety of methods to preserve their crops and ensure sustenance throughout the year:

1. Drying:

* Sun Drying: They would spread grains like maize, beans, and chili peppers in the sun to dry them out, making them last for longer periods.

* Smoke Drying: They also utilized smoke drying to preserve foods like fish, meat, and chilies, which added flavor and helped with preservation.

2. Salting:

* They employed salt, a valuable resource, to preserve meat, fish, and vegetables. This method involved soaking the food in salt water or rubbing it with salt.

3. Fermentation:

* The Aztecs fermented foods like maize dough (pozole), beans, and chili peppers to create a fermented paste that could be stored for months.

4. Storage in Containers:

* Clay Pots: They used clay pots, both large and small, to store grains, beans, dried fruits, and other food items.

* Adobera: These were large underground storage pits lined with clay and straw, used to preserve large quantities of grains and beans.

* Cisterns: They also built cisterns to store water, which was essential for keeping food hydrated.

5. Other Methods:

* Honey: Honey, a natural sweetener, was used to preserve fruits.

* Chili Paste: The Aztecs created a thick chili paste that could be stored for long periods and used in cooking.

Food Storage in Aztec Society:

* Household Level: Most families stored their food in their homes, with individual households responsible for storing their own provisions.

* Granaries: Larger quantities of grain, beans, and other crops were stored in communal granaries, usually within the city or village.

The Aztecs developed a complex system of food storage that enabled them to survive periods of scarcity and maintain a stable food supply for their large population. This knowledge was crucial to their success in building and maintaining their powerful empire.