Embedded Files
Morgan H.
Background Information
The Inca Empire is located on the Andes Mountains, which is the longest mountain range on land. The Andes climate varies based on altitude leading to multiple natural disasters. To be able to go on journeys through this varying climate, travelers needed lighter supplies that can be used for long periods of time. Usually, food would go bad during these travels, so the travelers needed to figure out a new process to preserve food. This is why freeze drying was created, to preserve food for travelers and to help the people of Inca during disasters.
A woman crushing potatoes with her feet
The Process
The Process
Freeze drying food was widely used in ancient Inca. The process included laying the food outside to freeze overnight. Then, the food would be stomped on to remove the extra moisture and left to dry in the sun during the day. This was repeated several times to get the best outcome. The people also needed to keep the food out of reach from the animals.
Additional Information
Image of chuno in a bowl
Impact on Inca
Impact on Inca
Freeze dried food helped prevent Inca from having a famine after bad harvests. It also helped the army have plenty of food along with helping travelers having enough food. After natural disasters, like earthquakes or floods, food could be distributed easier.
Man that is sorting through freeze dried potatoes
Impact on Others
Impact on Others
The freeze drying made by the Incas was not used much after the Spanish conquered Inca. Some modern-day freeze drying techniques are similar to Incas. Modern-day South Americans continue to freeze dry their food the same way as Incans did.
Painting of the Incan Army
Historical Importance
Historical Importance
This invention helped Inca grow rapidly, since the army was stronger because it had a good food source. The army was said to have one of the best rations compared to the Roman armies and Napoleon Army. The empire also expanded thanks to freeze dried food because messages could get across quicker since the messengers had enough food to continue moving (Simpkins).
Helpful Links
This is a good site for learning more about Inca in general, and more about the history of Inca.
Image 7
A lot of information about freeze drying food is included in this article. This article also talks about how NASA used similar processes for their food.
Image 9
This site has lots of good information on freeze drying, and it also ties the way Incas did it to the modern-day freeze drying processes.
Image 10
Image 10
Chuno being made in real life
This video shows an example of how modern day South Americans make chuno and other freeze dried foods. The people in the video use a similar technique to Inca.
Page updated
Report abuse