Nixtamalization

 

                                                                   Calcium Hydroxide 

 

 

 

 

 

Slaked Lime 

 

 

 

 

 

Uses Of Calcium Hydroxide

 

 

 

Aztec Empire

 

 

 

 

 

Evolution Of Maize aka Aztec Food

 

  

 

 

 

 

Aztec Diet Centred On Maize = Tortillas/Tamales

 

 

 

 

In the language of the Aztecs, the word for calcium hydroxide is nextli. In a process called nixtamalization, maize is cooked with nextli to become nixtamal. Nixtamalization significantly increases the bioavailability of Niacin (vitamin B3), and is also considered tastier and easier to digest. Nixtamal is often ground into a flour, known as masa, which is used to make tortillas and tamales.

 

 

   

 

 

 

Past To Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

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