Maya Technique of Maize Fortification

Question 1

WiN?

Answer 1

A study has thrown light on how Maya people fortified
their maize with the chemical process known as’
nixtamalisation’ and also built indoor toilets in pits they
dug into the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan peninsula
in Mesoamerica.

Question 2

who were the mayans?

Answer 2

The Maya are an indigenous people of Mexico and
Central America. probably the best-known of the
classical civilizations of Mesoamerica.

Question 3

What is the Nixtamalisation
Technique used by Mayas?

Answer 3

Nixtamalisation is a method by which the ancient
peoples of Mesoamerica like the Maya used to soak
and cook their maize in an alkaline solution and make
it more palatable, nutritious and non-toxic. Nixtamal
is derived from the Nahuatl word nextamalli, meaning
‘nixtamalised maize dough’.

Question 4

benefits of nixtamalisation

Answer 4

The process ensures that the maize contains amino
acids, calcium and Vitamin B2, which can be utilised by
the human body. It also eliminates certain mycotoxins
(toxins produced by certain moulds (fungi) and can
be found in food) present in maize.

Without this treatment, maize-dependent populations
were at elevated risk of pellagra (Vitamin B2 deficiency),
calcium deficiency and mycotoxin poisoning.
.

Question 5

the use of Nejayote, wastewater from nixtamalisation

Answer 5

Nejayote, wastewater from nixtamalisation, may have
been used to lime the chultunes while they were
used as latrines. This was done to control odours
and inhibit insect and microorganism growth like it
is done today