How can I test for CaOH, quality and concentration in an aqeous solution with little or no equipment?

Question

How did early producers of masa harina know that thay had achieved the correct concentration of field produced (wood ash, limestone or seas shells) CaOH (alkaline solution) to properly process maize?

Answer 1

First correct your question!
Its CaOH2 NOT CaOH

With no chemical equipment you can only tell whether limewater is of good quality i.e. freshly prepared or not.
Just exhale heavily in the vessel containing the solution. if it turns milky instantaneously then its of good quality.

For determining concentration titrimetry or other modern methods are necessary.