Preparation of masa flour

Abstract

A short-time, low-pollution method of preparing masa flour is provided which yields flour equivalent to conventionally fabricated masas with a total processing time significantly less than prior techniques. The procedure preferably comprises subjecting alkali-treated, debranned and moisturized grain (e.g., corn) to near infrared radiation in order to partially cook the grain. The grain can then be milled to desired particle size specifications. Masa prepared in accordance with the invention may be produced in as little as one-half hour, as compared with prior methods involving many hours of preparation time. The preferred alkali treatment of the grain prior to infrared processing substantially reduces pollution inherent in prior art methods.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.