Incan Diet
The Incas population reached around twelve million people. That might not seem like much to us now, but imagine running an entire civilization without the luxuries we have. Considering a majority of the population worked in agriculture, it's clear that the Incas took their food supply seriously. Food security was a priority to the Incan empire, ensuring everyone in the community was well fed. A model that should have been passed down to all humanity. Archaeologists discovered the Incas kept food in store houses called qollqas. Qollqas translated from their native language quechua, means funds. These store houses were packed with yearly supplies of freeze-dried food. Food that was stomped dry from all its water, then left out at night to freeze mainly consisting of maize, potatoes, and quinoa. Whenever an item was ready to be eaten, they’d simply pour water on the dehydrated food.
Despite dating back to the thirteenth century, Peru's current cuisine is still a strong reflection of the Incan diet. Since the Inca empire stretched far out, it exposed different populations to a variety of climates influencing differences in diet. Inca living on the coast enjoyed more seafood and fruits compared to their Andean cousins who ate more corn and potatoes. Today you find most dishes carry potatoes, corn, rice, or all three at the same time. Still using the same peppers and spices to flavour each meal. Regardless of the climate, the Incas ate a well rounded diet keeping mainly to grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Surprisingly Incas carried a similar eating routine to our three times a day custom. The only difference being how physically active they all were. They usually had a chicha in the morning (fermented corn), or used quinoa seeds to make a cereal. They had a heavier meal at night consisting of peppers and potatoes or had a protein packed quinoa soup. It's evident that Incas were strategic with what they ate, ensuring they fueled themselves with only the best. Through the journey of learning all this myself I wonder, what would the Incas think of quinoa pasta?
