Definition of "nixtamalization" [nixtamalization]

• A process for the preparation of maize (corn) in which the grain is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, usually limewater, and hulled. (noun)

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• "Early corn eaters developed a special pretreatment to ease the removal of the hull, which is called nixtamalization from an Aztec word: they cooked the kernels in water made alkaline with a variety of substances."
• "Wet-milled Corn: Masa, Tortillas, Tamales, Chips Tortillas, tamales, and corn chips are made from corn grains that are milled when wet, after they have undergone the preliminary cooking step called nixtamalization p."
• "However, beans and rice do give a complete set of dietary protein. wendy devlin, processing (soaking and boiling) grains of corn with lime is called nixtamalization and primarily is used to soften the hull to make it easier to grind and use."