Why is corn nixtamalized?
I am somewhat confused about the difference between masa harina flour vs. cornmeal. Wikipedia says the process of nixtamalization needs to be done in order for the corn to be nutritional, kill toxins and make it more palatable. Basically they use burnt ash or lye to break up the hull of the corn when they are making masa. I always use cornmeal and I don't die from toxins and I assume it is just as nutritional as eating tortillas.
Best Answer
Nixtamalization is a culinary process that begins with dried corn kernels (maize), and uses alkalinity to alter the chemistry of the corn. The process is thousands of years old, first recorded by the the Aztecs, but probably older and more wide spread.
This guide is very informative. Here the author describes the result of the nixtimalization process:
This practice accomplishes several things: soaking dried maize kernels in an alkaline solution makes it easier to remove the thin outer seed coat, or pericarp, that encases the kernel, either through grinding or by rubbing. Next, both alkalinity and heat treatment help to not only soften the kernel, but also chemically alter the endosperm and germ of cooked maize [...] (Bressani et al. 1958; Bressani and Scrimshaw 1958). Finally, nixtamalization flavors maize, altering the taste profile of the kernels, giving them a slightly bitter and earthy flavor (Briggs 2015).
...and of course, the added bonus is that it makes corn (masa) delicious!
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Quick Answer about "Why is corn nixtamalized?"
In addition to altering the smell, flavor and color of maize products, nixtamalization provides several nutritional benefits including: Increased bioavailability of vitamin B3 niacin, which reduces the risk of pellagra disease. Increased calcium intake, due to its absorption by the kernels during the steeping process.Does corn need to be nixtamalized?
For people with varied diets, nixtamalization is important because it makes the masa bind better. If corn hasn't been nixtamalized, masa made from it will barely form a ball, let alone survive the tortilla press and subsequent transfer to a pan or comal.Why is corn flour nixtamalized?
Nixtamalization BenefitsMore Flavor and Aroma \u2013 It also adds flavor and aroma to foods. This is especially true with corn flour. Better Taste \u2013 It also improves the taste of corn. Increased Vitamin Content \u2013 It increases the amount of vitamins found in corn.Is nixtamalized corn healthier?
Nixtamalized maize has several benefits over unprocessed grain: It is more easily ground, its nutritional value is increased, flavor and aroma are improved, and mycotoxins are reduced by up to 97%\u2013100% (for aflatoxins).What is Nixtamalization?
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