Calabacín (ayocotl)

Calabacín is a type of squash and one of the staple ingredients in the pre-Colombian diet. It plays a key role in the milpa system, which is a pre-Colombian agricultural technique that intercrops maize with squash and beans. The maize provides something for the calabacín to grow up, while the beans fix nitrogen back into the soil. Likewise, when all three are eaten together, their nutritional value is enhanced.