Nixtamalization

Nixtamalization is the treatment of dried maize (corn) kernels that removes the hard outer hull from the kernels, making them more palatable, easier to digest, and easier to process. It also alters the flavor in a way that many consider to be an improvement.

The treatment is described in some sources from the United States as soaking in lye-water (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution), but several Mexican recipies consulted agreed that it consisted primarily of cooking in lime-water (calcium hydroxide).

The process dates back nearly 10,000 years in ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

The resulting product is called hominy or pozole. Some sources refer to lye or ash treated corn as hominy and lime treated corn as pozole. Others do not distinguish.