Domesticated Huauhtzontli (Chenopodium berlandieri Moq. ssp nuttalliae [Safford] Wilson & Heiser) in prehispanic and modern México

Summary

Huauhtzontli, a cultivated chenopod widely distributed in the central highlands of Mexico, is generally believed to have been domesticated in prehispanic times. However, neither the timing nor the area of domestication have been clearly established. Morphometric analyses of modern fruits of the central Mexican subspecies of Chenopodium berlandieri and revision of archaeological specimens recovered from various excavations in the region suggest that domesticated fruits were not predominant, possibly until the end of the Late Preclassic period or later. Currently available evidence for archaeological remains of Chenopodium from the Teotihuacan Valley, Xaltocan and San Gregorio Atlapulco are discussed. Modern culinary traditions and their possible prehispanic counterparts are considered.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• From Birdseed to Superfood: Chenopodium Cultivation and Management across the Globe

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 14741