Corn Flour

Different flour types and their impact on tortilla characteristics

Mireya RivasBarcelona Spain,  2017

origin nixtamalization Tortilla industrialization

Nutritional properties

Different Flours

NIXTAMALIZATION ORIGEN WAS IN MESOAMERICA OVER 2000 YEARS AGO ‐ CORN GRAIN START TO STORAGE AFTER THE CROP

Nixtamalization

Nahuátl:

– Nextli: Ash– Tamalli: corn masa cooked

Definition

Is an alcaline thermicalprocess to transform the corngrain in masa to maketortillas and other products

Nixtamalization Process

drying

Cleaning

Cooking180 ºF

1stmilling

1st s

cren

ing

2nd milling

2nd 

screning packaging

Lime and Water absorption

Protein matrix modification

Starch gelatinization

Aromatic compounds(2'‐Aminoacetophenone)

Nixtamalization Effects

Carbohydratesavailable* 70‐75 %

Fiber 7‐8 %

Protein 7‐8 %

Oil 4‐5 %

Corn Flour Composition

*The Main carbohydrate is the starch

Corn KernelNutritional Value:

Good Source of Calcium

Good Source of fiber as a Whole Grain

Ca2+

Is rich in Niacin (vitamin B3).

The Zeyne protein can be absorbed easily by thehuman body.

Nutritional Value of Corn Flour

Proteins

6‐10%

In the germand 

endosperm

Zeíne

Lipids

4.5%

In the germ

Carotenoides

Vitamins and minerals

A, E, thiamine, priridoxine, niacine

phosforo, potasium, calcium and selenium.

Carbohidrates

75%

starches

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Corn Tortillas Tortilla Chips Extruded Snacks and Breakfastcereal

Bakery

DIFERENTS CORN TORTILLAS AND OTHER 

PRODUCTS

Pastas

DIFERENTS CORN FLOUR

Diferent Cooked level= Diferents Yields

Yield

1 lb of corn flour + 1.2 to 1.45  lb of water=2.2 to 2.45 dought = 40 to 41 tortillas (1 oz) 

Especifications in corn flour : 

Normal made with White corn : 6.0 – 7.0 

White made withWhite corn: 5.4 – 6.4 

Yellowmade withWhite corn: 8 – 10.5

pH scale = self life differences

Granulometría 

Properties of Particle Size Distribution

crunchiness

coarse

resistance

medium

Flexibility

softness

fine

Aditives in Corn Flour

Corn Flour

Enzymes

Hidrocoloides

Preservatives

StarchesFibers

I

TORTILLA

II

SNACKS

Gluten free

Diferentstextures Low fat Low

calories

Goodsour of fiber

High protein

Wholegrain