Simply translated, masa � the foundation for every perfect tortilla, tostada, tamale, pozole, arepa and gordita � means dough. It unites North and South America, defying any one cultural identity.
Masa is made from field corn, which is quite different from the tender sweet corn we eat off the cob. The kernels are nixtamalized � cooked in an alkaline solution, often water and lime � and then drained and ground into dough. It’s used fresh or dehydrated to make masa harina, which resembles corn flour and cornmeal.
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