Unveiling the mystery: why corn tortillas emit a peculiar ammonia odor

Corn tortillas, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, often carry a distinct aroma that can be both intriguing and off-putting. But what’s the culprit behind that peculiar ammonia-like smell? Let’s delve into the science behind this culinary enigma.

The Nixtamalization Process

The key to understanding the ammonia scent lies in the traditional corn tortilla-making process called nixtamalization. This intricate process involves soaking dried corn kernels in an alkaline solution, typically made with lime or calcium hydroxide.

During nixtamalization, the alkaline solution breaks down the corn’s outer shell, releasing bound nutrients and making the kernels easier to grind into masa (dough). However, this process also triggers the release of ammonia gas.

Ammonia as a Byproduct

Ammonia is a natural byproduct of the nixtamalization process. The alkaline solution hydrolyzes the corn’s proteins, liberating amino acids that contain nitrogen. Under the alkaline conditions, these amino acids undergo a reaction known as deamination, which releases ammonia gas.

Factors Influencing the Ammonia Smell

The amount of ammonia released during nixtamalization can vary depending on several factors:

• Corn Variety: Different corn varieties have varying levels of proteins, which can affect the amount of ammonia produced.
• Soaking Time: Longer soaking times allow for more extensive hydrolysis and thus more ammonia release.
• Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate the deamination reaction, resulting in increased ammonia production.

Tortilla-Making Techniques

After nixtamalization, the masa is washed and ground to form a dough. How the tortillas are made can also influence the ammonia smell:

• Hand-Made Tortillas: Hand-made tortillas often have a stronger ammonia scent due to less thorough washing and more manual handling, which can introduce additional ammonia.
• Machine-Made Tortillas: Machine-made tortillas are typically washed more thoroughly and handled less, resulting in a milder ammonia smell.

Health Implications

The ammonia smell in corn tortillas is generally not a health concern. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort if they consume excessive amounts of tortillas with a strong ammonia scent.

Mitigating the Ammonia Smell

If the ammonia smell is undesirable, there are several ways to mitigate it:

• Thorough Washing: Washing the masa thoroughly after nixtamalization helps remove excess ammonia.
• Shorter Soaking Time: Soaking the corn kernels for a shorter period reduces the amount of ammonia released.
• Lowering the Temperature: Nixtamalizing at lower temperatures slows down the deamination reaction, minimizing ammonia production.
• Using Ammonia-Neutralizing Agents: Adding a small amount of baking soda or citric acid to the masa can help neutralize the ammonia smell.
• Storing Tortillas Properly: Storing tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer can help prevent ammonia buildup.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Culinary Enigma

The ammonia smell in corn tortillas is a result of the nixtamalization process, which liberates ammonia gas as a byproduct. While the smell is generally not a health concern, it can be mitigated through various techniques. Understanding the science behind this culinary enigma empowers us to appreciate the unique flavors and aromas that make corn tortillas a beloved staple.

FAQ

Q: Is the ammonia smell in corn tortillas dangerous?
A: No, the ammonia smell is generally not a health concern, but excessive consumption may cause mild digestive discomfort.

Q: Can I reduce the ammonia smell by cooking the tortillas?
A: Yes, cooking the tortillas will release some of the ammonia, reducing the smell.

Q: Is the ammonia smell in corn tortillas the same as the smell in ammonia cleaning products?
A: No, the ammonia smell in corn tortillas is a different form of ammonia and is not as pungent or harmful as the ammonia in cleaning products.

Q: Can I make corn tortillas without the ammonia smell?
A: Yes, by washing the masa thoroughly, soaking the corn kernels for a shorter time, and using ammonia-neutralizing agents.

Q: Why do some corn tortillas have a stronger ammonia smell than others?
A: The ammonia smell can vary depending on the corn variety, soaking time, temperature, and tortilla-making techniques.