ARS | Publication request: Analysis of Factors Affecting Corn Masa Byproduct Generation

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: April 8, 2004
Publication Date: August 4, 2004
Publisher's URL: www.asae.org
Citation: Rosentrater, K.A. 2004. Analysis Of Factors Affecting Corn Masa Byproduct Generation. Asae/csae Annual International Meeting, August 1-4, 2004. Ottawa, Canada.

Technical Abstract: The production of corn masa-based products in the U.S. has been increasing over the last several years, and consequently, so has the volume of waste materials generated from this processing sector. These byproducts, which consist of corn dry matter losses that occur during the nixtamalization process, are currently underutilized, but have much potential for value-added processing and utilization, and thus hold the simultaneous promises of economic benefit for corn processors as well as decreased potential impact on surrounding ecosystems. Because information concerning masa byproducts, and the rate at which they are generated, is currently very limited and not readily available, the objective of this study was to fully investigate the existing literature regarding the production of these residual streams. Through this investigation it was found that masa byproducts are affected by several processing parameters, including corn hybrid, endosperm hardness, kernel quality, lime type and concentration, cooking and steeping times and temperatures, friction experienced during washing and transport, and processing equipment and practices used. These processing losses can potentially be economically significant due to lost masa yield, waste processing and disposal costs, and environmental pollution and subsequent legal penalties.