What You Need to Know
The process involves heating corn in a Ca(OH)₂ or wood‑ash solution (containing K₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, CaO) at 90–100 °C, which hydrolyzes hemicellulose, releases bound niacin, and converts bound lysine to free amino acids. The alkaline environment also solubilizes phytic acid and reduces cyanogenic glycosides, while the high pH promotes Maillard precursors for browning during cooking.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Alkaline hydrolysis of hemicellulose and protein cross‑linking via Ca²⁺