What You Need to Know
These methods involve various chemical reactions such as the Maillard reaction, caramelization, dehydration, and oxidation, which occur at different temperatures and times to produce distinct flavors and textures.
Steps
- 1.
Pachamanca (Andean Highlands): Simultaneous stone-heated cooking of tubers/meats
- 2.
Ch'arki (Cusco Region): Freeze-drying with mountain air and smoke
- 3.
Humitas (Coastal Valleys): Steaming in corn husks with herbal aromatics
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard reaction