Part 5/8:

The implications of this process extend well beyond culinary technique; they reveal a deeper understanding of how indigenous knowledge impacted health and nutrition. Prior to European influence, nixtamalization was vital in addressing nutritional deficiencies among populations relying predominantly on corn as a staple.

The Cultural Relevance of Maize

Maize holds a prominent place in the cultural history of Mesoamerica, with its origins traced back over 10,000 years. The traditions surrounding corn are so foundational that they appear in various mythologies and historical accounts. The Aztecs revered maize, and legends speak of their gods creating humans from corn, underscoring its centrality in their creation myths and daily existence.