Aprovechamiento del maguey pulquero en Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, México

Use of Maguey pulquero, Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, México

Abstract

The species of the Agave genus have been the object of multiple uses throughout history. The present work documented the current uses and vocabulary of the maguey pulquero at Rancho San Isidro, Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, Mexico. This information was collected through semi-structured ethnobotanical interviews. The use value of the different ethnotaxa of Agave salmiana mentioned in the interviews was estimated, as well as the level of fidelity (NF). This study at Rancho Isidro revealed the important contemporary use category of maguey is that of comestible and the important stages of the maguey´s biological cycle for the interviewees are those between the excision of the terminal bud and senescence. The “aguamiel” extraction practices and vocabulary associated with maguey are similar to those reported historically in different areas of central Mexico. Traditional knowledge continues in force through generations and represents an important cultural value, which must be documented in order to innovate new uses related to the “maguey pulquero”.