Food

Food was very important to the Inca, especially potatoes. The Inca grew hundreds of different kinds of potatoes, many of which still exist today. Potatoes were easy to grow in the cold mountains and were very nutritious, giving people energy to work.

The Inca used terrace farming, cutting steps into mountainsides. This stopped soil from washing away and helped crops grow better. Terraces also held warmth, protecting plants from cold nights.

To store food, the Inca made a special potato product called chuño. Potatoes were frozen at night, dried in the sun, and mashed by foot. Chuño could last for years, which helped the Inca survive hard times like droughts or war.

Along with potatoes, the Inca ate corn, quinoa, beans, and squash. Because food was shared and stored carefully, fewer people went hungry.