In ancient Mayan civilization, kitchens were an important part of daily life, and they often featured built-in spice drawers. Mayan cuisine relied heavily on the use of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of their dishes. The spice drawer in an ancient Mayan kitchen would have contained a variety of spices, including chili peppers, cacao, annatto, and allspice. These spices were used in different combinations to create the unique flavors of Mayan cuisine. The spice drawer would have been located near the cooking area, allowing easy access to the spices during the cooking process. Mayan cooks were skilled in the art of seasoning, and the built-in spice drawer was a practical and essential feature of their kitchens.
