Abstract

ROQUE-MACIEL, Laura et al. Nixtamalization of five corn varieties with different Kernel Hardness: impact in fuel consumption and physicochemical properties. Agrociencia [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.6, pp.727-745. ISSN 2521-9766.

“Nixtamalization” causes in corn grain physical, chemical and rheological changes that affect the quality of the dough and tortilla. The traditional corn nixtamalization, carried out mostly in open containers, presents a very poor utilization of the energy required for this process, as it can take up to 70 % more of the fuel required. The correct selection of corns for nixtamalization contributes to the quality of tortillas and fuel saving. The aim of this study was to determine the physical, chemical, and thermal changes that occur during nixtamalization of corn grain varieties with different degrees of hardness and its relation to fuel consumption and energy demand during the process. Fuel consumption and physical and chemical changes in the grain and the cooking water or “nejayote” were monitored during the alkaline cooking of five varieties of corn. In the nejayote, pH values decreased after alkaline cooking in an average of 0.2 units. Cooking time was 26.6, 31.6, 36.6, 31.6, and 38.3 min, with gas consumption of 112.6, 119.2, 125.9, 119.2, and 128.1 g for the varieties Criollo, Mont265, Mont360, Mont363 and Mont41 respectively. Grains of lower hardness, absolute density and test weight required the least amount of fuel for nixtamalization. The rheological properties of flour during nixtamalization had similar behavior except Mont265 variety whose grains are smaller. The thermal properties of flour were similar after an increase in the gelatinization temperature of the samples taken at the end of nixtamalization. It is concluded that besides determining the quality characteristics of the dough and tortillas produced, it is necessary to know the energy parameters required for the nixtamalization of the of the corn varieties.

Keywords : Corn; nixtamalization; physicochemical changes; cooking time; fuel.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English | Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )