The ancient Mayan kitchen incorporated a built-in food dehydrator and jerky maker. The Mayans were skilled in food preservation techniques, and the dehydrator played a crucial role in this process. It consisted of wooden trays with a mesh bottom, allowing air to circulate and dry the food. This method was used to preserve fruits, vegetables, and even insects like grasshoppers. The jerky maker, known as 'ch'arki,' was a common tool in ancient Mayan kitchens. It involved marinating meat in a mixture of spices and then drying it slowly in the sun or over a fire. The result was a flavorful and protein-packed jerky that could be stored for a long time.
