In ancient Mayan culture, kitchens played a significant role, and some incorporated a built-in steam room known as a 'temazcal.' These steam rooms were used for cooking, as well as for spiritual and healing purposes. The ancient Mayans believed that steam had transformative properties and used it for various rituals and ceremonies. The temazcal in ancient Mayan kitchens were typically made of stone and featured a system that generated steam. The steam would then be used for cooking, particularly for steaming corn, beans, and other staple foods. It was believed that steaming helped release the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients. The steam rooms also served as a sacred space for spiritual practices, with the steam believed to cleanse the body and purify the soul. People would often gather in the temazcal, engaging in ceremonies and seeking spiritual guidance.
