Corn: An Introduction & History | What is Nixtamalization? | How to Nixtamalize Corn

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It's time. It's time to dive in and talk about all things CORN! In this video we will discuss the history of corn, what nixtamalization is, why it's needed, what it's good for, and how to do it!
//Book Recommendations:
"The Mexican Home Kitchen" Cookbook: amzn.to/3uOp7er
"Tacopedia": amzn.to/3z34rSp
"Oaxaca" Cookbook: amzn.to/3Pbjuiq
//Videos Mentioned:
All About Einkorn: • Let's Talk About Einko...
Cornbread Recipe: • Healthy, Simple Cornbr...
//Nixtamal Corn Ingredients:
1/2 cup calcium hydroxide/calcium lime/pickling lime
4.4 pounds (2kg) dent corn (white, yellow, or blue)
5 1/4 quarts water (5L)
//TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
2:34 Why Talk about Corn?
3:16 History of Corn in Mesoamerica
5:03 Mexican Cookbook recommendations
5:27 History of Corn, continued
6:02 Mexican legends about Corn
7:09 What is Nixtamalization?
8:37 What are the Benefits of Nixtamalization?
12:10 What Happens if you Don't Nixtamalize Corn?
12:47 Recap
13:10 Nixtamalization - How It's Done in Modern Times
14:14 How to Nixtamalize Corn
23:07 Summary
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#grainsandgrit #nixtamalcorn #corn #historyofcorn

[@corinamunoz549]

Soy Mexicana y fan de tus videos, he hecho muchas de tus recetas, todas le encantan a mi familia numerosa… y me encanto este video inesperado, he hecho tortillas con la harina de maíz que vende Azure que es nixtamalizada pero siempre será mucho mejor hacerla con el procedimiento original, por cierto ayer hice por primera vez tu receta de la crema de trigo, la endulzamos un poco con leche condensada y a toda mi familia les encanto… seguiré esperando tus videos, tu canal ha sido una bendición para mi cocina, para mi familia 🥰… muchas gracias 😘

[@GrainsandGrit]

Ay, que lindo. Muchisimas gracias, y bienvenido a mi canal!

[@HolyFamilyHomesteadWV]

With a prepper mindset, it’s always good to know how to make your own ANYTHING 🥰 awesome to know Azure has the flour already ready to go though!

[@terrijuanette486]

Just as an FYI...Calcium lime goes by several names. They are ALL the same thing. Calcium lime, pickling lime, slaked lime, S-Lime, and calcium hydroxide. It is also the lime you use on your lawn. I purchase my slaked lime in 50lb bags at a terrific savings through a feed/farm supply but NOT Tractor Supply since I can't trust their products any more. Sad but true. It is also the 'chalk' that is used in chalk paint (and, yes, you can make your own with it.) BUT Calcium Lime IS NOT calcium chloride. They are two different things. Remember, calcium lime is calcium hydroxide not calcium chloride. I hope this helps someone out there!! I know it did me when I learned it.

[@WellsMcDonnell]

Which company did you buy in bulk from?

[@hopesellers1031]

I just found you today and I am so happy! You have me all inspired and I’m ready to give this a try. Thank you!😊

[@GrainsandGrit]

YAY!!!

[@farmgirl4958]

Since I learned about milling my own wheat from Sue Becker’s channel, you have been my main go to for help and recipes. Thank you for all you do! I will be ordering your books soon:)

[@jd4810]

Excellent video, very well done and informative. I learned a lot. I'll definitely be getting those books.

[@sandydickinson6193]

Very cool! Thank you Felicia! I am so excited for the corn series!! 😃

[@GrainsandGrit]

Me too!!

[@micahlantz905]

Doing this exact recipe now. So excited 😊

[@Lilmissbaker3173]

Love your informative videos! Thank you!

[@David-kd5mf]

Thanks for making video on nixtamalization. I saw on a channel called masienda that leaving some of the skins on the corn is actually good for tortilla. The skin of corn acts as a bit of a binder. Which is good because trying to wash all the skins off the corn is a bit tedious, for me at least.

[@GrainsandGrit]

I may still have some skins on, I don’t know. I just know how I do it works lol

[@victorialg1270]

Love the grain series you are doing. I hope you'll do some deep dives into Biblical "corn" grains in the future. Thanks for the playlists. That organization is helpful to quickly go back and review how to do this.

[@kristenstevens5232]

Hi Felicia, thank you for this video! I'm wondering how you freeze your nixtamalized corn? Do you dry it first? Also, how do you use it to make tortillas once frozen? Thanks!

[@cg8509]

Perfect timing! I just got and filled my bucket with corn and am ready to go. Now I'll go grab some cal lime. Looking forward to your corn Tortilla video! Thanks again for all this info

[@GrainsandGrit]

Great timing indeed!!!

[@yarnchickenkim]

Your videos are my favorite educational videos on grains. I learn so much and get excited about trying new recipes with my grains. Next will be tortillas, for sure.

[@GrainsandGrit]

Yay!! Tortillas are next week!!! 😄

[@whatnext715]

Very interesting and useful, thanks

[@dudeinrok1]

Alton Brown did an OUTSTANDING episode on field/dent corn for tortillas, including nixtamalization, on his “Good Eats” program. He also did a second episode on hasa marina.

[@alysonduneman2232]

Do you know which episode that is?

[@AlexHernandez-lo6ti]

Thank you mama for your video it’s the first video I have seen on nixtamalization. Very informative abd I love the passion you have for Mexican cuisine!

[@GrainsandGrit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@woodsie5796]

Great information! Blessings 🥰

[@susancannaday1367]

Perfect time for this video!! We pick up our Azure order today which has a bag of corn for us to start trying to grind our own. Thanks for all you hard work to bring this information to us!!

[@GrainsandGrit]

Woo hoo!!

[@NGUYỄNSƠNMIỀNTÂYVlog]

Hello friends, the recipe information for the dish from corn corn looks great, have a nice weekend

[@mymerrill8496]

That was really interesting, thanks

[@Brenda-tu6db]

Truly love your videos and the way the are tied to biblical times. The history & culture are so interesting and you're great at teaching us. Also, looking forward to the grits & cornbread videos as I, too, live in Florida.

[@GrainsandGrit]

Thanks for watching!

[@nilnixlove]

I appreciate the history lesson!

[@jessicawhite1598]

Awesome! I had no idea!

[@tyghrrr]

A friend gifted me four non-GMO blue corn plants which I am growing for the first time. I’ve been scouring the internet for help with knowing what to do with it, your channel eventually popped up on my feed. New subscriber here. Love your channel ❤️❤️❤️

[@GrainsandGrit]

Wonderful! Welcome aboard!

[@allisonturner7247]

I'm hoping your next video will talk about how to grind the corn now. Thank you for this info!

[@GrainsandGrit]

Next video is all about corn tortillas! So yes 😄

[@maureenparran8918]

Great video, thank you very much

[@GrainsandGrit]

Aw, thanks for watching!

[@antoniodev5167]

If you get a chance to watch this, it's one thing to use Nixtamalization on corn,but what if you can also do "lacto-fermentation" where you ferment the corn under water and salt(brine) for 2-3 days to get as much starch out.Then afterwoods, finding out the glycemic index and load of it.

[@jerseygirlvet]

I like that meet the grain. Can’t wait

[@rickyhyles8346]

Yes. Life saving.

[@andreaodessa9181]

Few things make me as happy as watching americans discover and value our food. USA and Mexico were blessed by Cinteotl. I just wish both countries pushed heirloom corn a little bit more.

[@GrainsandGrit]

The US sure is shoving GMO down Mexico's throat right now.

[@cindyb8856]

Oxacan mexican food is my favorite ❤. Ill have to find the recipe book.

[@sixtysweetsavory9390]

Great video! I really enjoyed this video and the making corn tortillas video!!! I grew up on fresh homemade corn tortillas made by a little mexican woman in an old school little mom and pop shop. She made them fresh everyday in the morning for her loyal customers!!! I miss them so much!!! I follow Sue Becker but as far as I can tell she only makes flour tortillas...I prefer corn tortillas...then I saw this video of yours!!! I'm so excited!!!😁😘 I also grew up on and adore hominy! I had already bought 50# of dent corn from Azure Standard plus yellow corn too! I don't have any issues with it being treated with the what makes nitimilized(?). Your video's on corn were very informative!!! I don't think my arms could take doing that part at home as I am a senior citizen and I'm disabled...so my question for you is... Can I use canned hominy to make my fresh corn tortillas instead of the masa harina? PHG is a great company I got my Komo Mill and my Ankarsrum mixer from them!!!😁 I have masa harina already but I'd like to try it with the wet corn my mouth starts watering just thinking about it!!! I know this is an older video but hopefully you'll be able to answer my question. If not I may just try it and see if it works. Thanks for all your great information and video's!!! You and Bread Beckers are the first 2 channels I found on fresh milled grains when I started my fresh grain milling journey. Thanks and God Bless you and your family!!!💗💙🙏💙💗

[@GrainsandGrit]

Wow, what a wonderful memory to share. Nothing like authentic Mexican. Yes, I bet you could make do with canned hominy, but I doubt it would be quite the same.

[@sixtysweetsavory9390]

I kinda figured it won't be as good as the way you do it but perhaps a close second...a little better maybe than the dried masa harina but not as good as niximiltized (sp?) That's a hard word!!! 🤣😂🤣 Thank you for answering my question!!! Your tortillas look amazingly scrumptious!!! 🌽🌽💛🤗🤤😋🤤🤗💛 Brightest Blessings!💜

[@estellaeggleston1643]

​@GrainsandGrit I made 5 gallons of corn into nixtamalized corn ( hominy) and then canned it all. I will try and see how that works for making corn tortilla's. It took two days to make and can. Well worth it for mem

[@felixg12]

I am mostly mesoamerican 40%native american , the God quetzocatal said we are made from corn, oh you telling the history cool, i cant wait to learn how to nixtalmilize corn. Also i cant wait to make fresh corn tortillas, great video

[@GrainsandGrit]

Interesting!

[@randolphtrager5858]

If you have a septic system don’t drain the fluid down the drain, put it in your garden

[@mamabird2434]

I dehydrate it at this point and now it’s storable can just grind it too after dry

[@GrainsandGrit]

Not a bad idea

[@jesseandersen4055]

So I could be wrong but I believe at the end the mixture is neutral and no longer alkaline because of the reaction with the corn. It is also not necessary to rinse all of the skins off, now this I could be wrong about but I believe you get a stronger corn flavor when you leave more of the skin on. I also know that many varieties of corn get their color from the skin(although not all because some of the color, is inside the grain), and so rinsing off all the skins leaves behind a white or yellow corn even if you start with red or blue. It’s like how even white corn turns yellow when you submerge it into alkaline water, and to get truly white masa you have to rinse 100% of the skin off. Just my 2c.

[@JamesHarris-wo3um]

More great info. Great to know how to get more nutrition from corn. Is there a simple way to do it with wood ash? Grid down situation that would be handy.

[@GrainsandGrit]

There are KZbin videos how to make it from wood ash 😄 I’ve never done it before myself.

[@JamesHarris-wo3um]

Thanks, I should have checked there first

[@JamesHarris-wo3um]

Just another thought, corn flakes with this method could be very healthy.

[@robertreznik9330]

Mexico uses a large amount of Sorghum. a large part of this comes from US. Mexico grows 4 million metric tons. Mostly on the high plateaus in July to October. Mostly for animal feed unlike Africa for human consumption.

[@HolyFamilyHomesteadWV]

I’m seeing a really good reason for a sink disposal! 🤣

[@alysonduneman2232]

Can you dry it instead of freezing it?

[@terrijuanette486]

Lime is great for the grass & plants. I have a HUUUUUGE metal bowl and plastic colander that fits inside it (same HUUUUUGE size) from the Asian food store that I will use. So, I'm going to rinse this off with the hose outside and dump the water on the grass (or on the compost). I'll bring it inside when I'm done and rinse twice in filtered water before using. I have a farmhouse sink but even it is too small for my oversized bowl and colander set.

[@plantlady1227]

Could you dehydrate the nixtamized corn and store it ready to grind/use from this point? It seems like grinding wet corn would gum things up in the mill - so I'm confused about how to grind it for use in tortillas unless you just smash it wet into a paste to mix with some fat?

[@GrainsandGrit]

The traditional method is to immediately grind it wet, either on a stone metate or in a mill that can do wet grinding, like this one: geni.us/WonderJuniorDelux

[@user-pg6gu1kk1c]

Hi love the video you make things seem so easy thank you Question please can you use this masa for frying and do you still have to cook them first and then fill with chicken and fry or can it be done raw?

[@GrainsandGrit]

You can fry it, definitely!

[@user-pg6gu1kk1c]

@@GrainsandGrit what about doing it raw?

[@user-pg6gu1kk1c]

also I'm having a very hard time finding the yellow corn... do you have a suggestion?

[@candywalker483]

If you just want to use your home ground corn for a little baking or corn chowder do you have to nixtalmize it?

[@GrainsandGrit]

Nixtamalization opens up the maximum nutrients, so if you had nothing else to eat, I'd nix it for everything. But no, you don't have to as long as you eat other nutritious foods.

[@renmuffett]

My daughter just told me that she learned dried corn will wear the stones in the Mill really quick. I don't know where she got that information but now I'm worried about it. She said she won't use corn in her new Nutrimill. Too bad because her husband is Hispanic and prefers his tortillas. I hope you have can calm my fears about using corn.

[@GrainsandGrit]

First I've heard of this. That's what the mill was made for.

[@judd_s5643]

She might be referring to grinding pop corn.

[@deborah1567]

How do you dry the nixtamal to use for making grits?

[@GrainsandGrit]

Big controversy/mystery surrounding this. But so far, what I've found is that grits were never nixtamalized.

[@Nellyontheland]

Thank you. I never knew! One question not answered was: can you re-dry it now? I don't have a freezer, so how can I now grind it into a flour? Thank you. 🇬🇧

[@GrainsandGrit]

You'll need a grinder that can grind wet grains, like the Wonder Junior Delux: geni.us/WonderJuniorDelux

[@Nellyontheland]

@Grains and Grit thanks there. I'm in the UK so this type of corn production is new to me. 👍🇬🇧

[@shellycollins5409]

So, when you put the corn in the water to nixtamalize it, was the corn fresh or dried?

[@GrainsandGrit]

Dried

[@kimwood8311]

Would the masa that's sold in stores be ok to use? Or is this method still better somehow? I would think store masa would contain the while corn kernel, unlike flour, etc.

[@kimwood8311]

And thank you for all the information you provide!

[@GrainsandGrit]

I will actually talk about this in next weeks video which is all about making corn tortillas 😄 but to give you the short answer - yes. Store bought masa is ok to use but it’s not near as flavorful as doing it yourself and I’m pretty sure nutrients have been oxidized sitting on the shelf. But you’re right, it’s not like white flour vs home milled.

[@seekthekingdom6286]

How fresh can they last when you freeze them?

[@GrainsandGrit]

Not very

[@eyeOOsee]

So what next? How do you dry it?

[@GrainsandGrit]

You don't. You use it to make tortillas or something.

[@tonniawilliams7321]

Can popcorn be used? I accidently bought 25# bag from Azure Standard. We really don't eat that much popcorn I am trying to find ways to use it.

[@GrainsandGrit]

No, it should be dent corn. But it sounds like you've got a great supply of popping corn now!! :-)

[@SheaSoapsbyLara]

I grind “popcorn” corn that I use as grits and to make corn bread. Might not be as nutritious but it tastes awesome. Use what you have! ❤

[@gloriayoder5173]

@@GrainsandGrit Popcorn kernels make wonderful hominy(nixtimal). I did a 10 pound batch recently with lime and then pressure canned in pints and half pints. A great history and reference book written by Anthony Boutard titled “Beautiful Corn” is a great read.

[@lokomotive28]

why wouldnt you use ash after all that

[@birdiefu]

How much corn did you add for that 5L of water and 1/2 cup calcium lime?

[@JLMunozG]

2 kilogram or around 2.2 lb

[@prepperinprogressdenab850]

Please, someone tell me, can pickling lime be used for the cal lime? I did not see it in the comments 😢

[@GrainsandGrit]

According to this, it's the same :-) www.preservedgoods.com/product-page/pickling-lime-calcium-hydroxide

[@prepperinprogressdenab850]

@@GrainsandGrit Thank you 🙃 I have a ton of pickling lime, was gonna cry if I had to buy something else 😂

[@gorillamotors]

Is it mandatory that I Nixtamalize the corn before making tortillas, grits, cornmeal, etc? I have ground white corn and made tortillas and they taste fine.

[@GrainsandGrit]

Yes

[@judd_s5643]

From my limited understanding is the nixtamalization process increases the bioavailability of the niacin in the corn. In other words, makes it more nutritious.

[@valchand1463]

I recently found you on KZbin. I really like what I’ve seen so far. But I’m not finding links to what you use. Like recipes, mills, etc. I have an attachment to my kitchen aid mixers but I would like something that did a better job as far as being finer.

[@GrainsandGrit]

Here's my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/grainsandgrit And here's my recipes: grainsandgrit.com/recipes/

[@alysonduneman2232]

So you put it in the grinder wet then?

[@GrainsandGrit]

Correct

[@mainstreet9788]

I REALLY WANT TO KNOW IN DETAIL HOW TO STORE WHOLE KERNEL HEIRLOOM CORN AND GRITS AND CORNMEAL. HELP!!!!!

[@GrainsandGrit]

Got you covered! I cover all that and more in here: grainsandgrit.com/prepwithgrains

[@benjamindrew9232]

I hate to bother you, I went ahead and boiled the dry corn for 45 minutes and simmer it or another 15. The mixture became very gelatinous. I shut the stove off to let it sit and I got up and checked it 4 1/2 hours later, and it had soaked up all of the water! did I do something wrong? I did go ahead and put more water in there so I can finish soaking.

[@GrainsandGrit]

So sorry you're having difficulty. I wish I could answer every question on here!! Are you in our exclusive membership group? I do troubleshoot one-on-one in there. You can learn more here: bit.ly/3ta2LTc

[@benjamindrew9232]

@@GrainsandGrit Thank you, things worked out great and I made my first tortillas yesterday! I think it was the skins that turned into a jelly like substance because I found very little skins during rinsing. Sorry, I kind of panicked! Lol

[@wideawake333]

The reading I did on this process says originally it waa used as a preservative process. And calcium chloride is highly corosive, I would be afraid this isn't healthy vs being able to get niacin through other foods.

[@GrainsandGrit]

Well, it has sustained an entire civilization as their staple food for literally thousands of years....

[@renamed304]

Someone pointed out in an above comment this calcium lime is NOT calcium chloride

[@birgitelisabeth9661]

Until only fairly recently corn (Mais) in Germany was fed only to the pigs and was not eaten by people.

[@elietedarce1266]

Sorry, I liked your videos and great desire of share cooming secrets. But in 3 videos showing merrican tortilla factories the do not wash the nixtamalized corn in running water. They just drain the yellow liguid. One of the factory boss also said to not boil but cook at 85*C to do not remove the corn skin, since according hin the skin in jelly state (due alcalin cooking) was important to give the right texture to the dough to make good tortilla.

[@aliyannajoy1607]

by the way...many many native americans eat corn!!!!! and not just the sw natives....the northern tribes also eat it and I believe that has to do with the seasonal migration. But corn is also a northern crop....ASK IOWA!!!!! lol

[@GrainsandGrit]

True, it's even part of the Thanksgiving story in New England.

[@michaelmorris1802]

The Alien's showed them how...

[@annblachly8068]

Those aliens were God's angels/messengers or He could have also sent the information in dreams.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

If you ever get the chance to eat Mexican Street food in Mexico, it’ll blow away your typical American view of tacos! They are far superior. Real traditional Mexican food from Mexico has always tasted amazing to me.

[@GrainsandGrit]

I have!!!! There is nothing like it. No one can go back to American tacos after eating real tacos in Mexico! It’s what made us fall in love with Authentic Mexican food 😄

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Those Native words? I’m from New Mexico. We can’t say them properly either.

[@JFlower7]

Very informative but way too much work. Think I will take a niacin pill.

[@GrainsandGrit]

God didn't give us pills. He gave us food and said, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread."

[@MorganBrunson]

Mexican ppl I know have a saying. Thats like putting sour cream on tacos. It describes and idiotic idea or concept. No Mexican I know puts sour cream on tacos. Ask around. Lol.

[@GrainsandGrit]

True true!

[@vincentperratore4395]

There is only ONE God, and HE made the corn.

[@sophiab6486]

Ameen

[@cc05jc]

Lol

[@reytatad111]

Lmao sure. Keep your hysterics to yourself.

[@Loogiz]

the aztecs weren't really familiar with that guy they were more into earthly gods and creatures

[@themanifestorsmind]

Sure, in YOUR culture there is one God...but even your Bible tells you there are many gods. Just that Yahweh is the only one that matters and the only one you should worship. Otherwise, who is He jealous of and why would He tell you not to have any other god before Him? He even says the other gods are dead and He is the only one still living...so there's your biblical proof that there are many gods. We don't know if the other gods are still alive or not...in fact there's a theory that what we call "demons" are actually just the other gods that Yahweh defeated and they are very much still alive. Hence why Yahwrh refers to Himself as "the Living God" and "God Almighty" and "the true God" to differentiate himself from the other gods that He defeated in the battles told in the Old Testament. He never said those gods didn't exist, just that they cant compare to Him. The winner writes the history, remember that because it applies to both the spiritual and physical realms.

[@Machewching]

Blah blah blah for 5 min