The gastronomic history of Mesoamerica begins to be written with the creation of the milling stone, an innovative element for the processing of various vegetables, including maize.
Guatemalan Tortillas
The famous Guatemalan tortillas begin with the use of this tool characteristic of the cuisine of the Acateco indigenous people, of Mayan origin, where women would gather around the stone to prepare food for the tribe.
The shape of this utensil is quite characteristic, it is made of volcanic stone material (basalt or andesite) and its shape is rectangular with a trapezoidal angle and rounded corners.
The stone is accompanied by another utensil, which is the grinding or pounding stone (in the shape of a roller) made of the same volcanic material.
This kitchen furniture, in its most elaborate presentations, usually has three legs or supports, which according to Mesoamerican historical and mythological traditions, symbolize the childhood, youth, and old age of Guatemalan women.
Modern times
Although with the novelties of technology that facilitate daily activities, including household chores such as those related to kitchen utensils, the milling stone has lost space in homes, but it still has a following in a small part of the population (mostly rural) that owns this tool to process maize and make delicious tortillas in a traditional way.
In homes or popular food stalls, we can appreciate the process of grinding maize with the milling stone.
If you manage to see it, you will appreciate a whole tradition of Guatemalan cuisine.
