* Boiling: The Mayans boiled food in ceramic pots over an open fire or on a hearth. They used a variety of pots, including ollas, which were large, round pots with a narrow neck, and comales, which were flat, griddle-like pans.
* Steaming: The Mayans also steamed food, using a technique called pib. Pib involved wrapping food in banana leaves or other plant material and then placing the wrapped food in a pit lined with hot stones. The stones generated steam, which cooked the food.
* Baking: The Mayans baked food in ovens made of clay or stone. These ovens were heated with wood or charcoal, and the food was placed inside on a baking stone.
* Grilling: The Mayans grilled food over an open fire on a grate or skewer. They grilled meats, fish, and vegetables.
* Smoking: The Mayans smoked food to preserve it. Smoking involved hanging food over a smoky fire for several days or weeks.
Spices and Seasonings:
The Mayans used a variety of spices and seasonings to flavor their food, including:
* Chili peppers
* Tomatoes
* Onions
* Garlic
* Cumin
* Cinnamon
* Vanilla
Common Foods:
The Mayans ate a wide variety of foods, including:
* Maize (corn)
* Beans
* Squash
* Chilies
* Tomatoes
* Avocados
* Bananas
* Pineapple
* Papaya
* Meat (deer, rabbit, turkey)
* Fish
* Shellfish