In the 1400s, the Inca civilization developed chuño, a method of freeze-drying potatoes in high-altitude conditions for long-term storage. This innovative technique allowed the Incas to preserve food for extended periods, ensuring food security in their mountainous environment. The production of chuño not only supported the Inca economy but also played a crucial role in their agricultural practices, influencing food preservation methods in other cultures.

The Inca's use of freeze-drying for potatoes around 1400 influenced their agricultural poetry and oral traditions. Incan poets celebrated the ingenuity of their agricultural practices, embedding themes of resilience and cultural pride into their verses, often using the potato as a symbol of sustenance and survival.