In Mexico and many other countries, the tortilla is more than just food—it is a tradition that has been perfected over centuries. From pre-Hispanic times to the present day, tortilla-making has been an art passed down through generations, combining skill, knowledge, and passion for Artisan’s.
This March 19, on Artisan’s Day, we celebrate all those who, through their dedication and craftsmanship, keep the tradition of nixtamalized tortillas alive. Today, technology has evolved to make the process more efficient, but without losing the artisanal essence that makes each tortilla unique. 
1. The Tortilla: An Art With Centuries of History 
Since the Mayan and Aztec eras, tortillas have been a dietary staple, made with hand-nixtamalized corn and cooked on clay griddles.
The Traditional Process
Corn was cooked in water and lime to soften it and enhance its nutritional value.
The nixtamalized corn was manually ground on stone metates, requiring significant physical effort.
Tortillas were shaped one by one, using ancestral techniques.
This handcrafted method ensured unique texture and flavor, but required a lot of time and effort.
2. The Evolution of the Tortilla: Balancing Tradition and Technology 
Over time, technology has made tortilla production more efficient while preserving its artisanal essence.
Then vs. Now
Before: Large pailas were used to cook nixtamal, resulting in high gas consumption and long production times.
Now: ALITECH reactors enable faster, more uniform cooking with less corn waste.
Up to 40% gas savings.
Cooking time reduced to 2.5 hours.
Better nutrient preservation, enhancing masa quality.
Thanks to technologies like ALITECH, tortillerías can now increase production without compromising the artisan quality that sets them apart. 
3. Why Is Nixtamalized Tortilla Still an Art? 
Even with technological advancements, the tortilla remains an art because it requires expertise, precision, and passion at every stage of its production:
Selecting the Right Corn: The grain’s quality influences the flavor and texture of the tortilla.
Nixtamalization Process: The balance of water, lime, and cooking time determines the masa’s quality.
Precision in Grinding: Uniform milling ensures perfect consistency in the masa.
Cooking on the Tortilla Press: Achieving soft, flexible tortillas requires the right temperature and cooking time.
Key Insight: Nixtamalized tortillas maintain their authenticity, flavor, and tradition—even with the aid of modern technology.
4. The Artisan’s Role in Tortilla Production 
The artisans behind masa and tortilla production are essential in preserving traditional techniques while adapting to modern demands.
Their Impact on the Industry
Preserving traditional recipes using native and heirloom corn.
Innovating with different tortilla flavors, colors, and textures.
Ensuring high-quality production that meets modern standards.
Passing down knowledge to future generations to keep the craft alive.
Today, with the help of technology like ALITECH reactors, artisans can scale up production without compromising tradition. 
5. ALITECH Reactors: The Artisan’s Modern Ally
Although the tortilla remains an artisanal product, technology now allows tortillerías and specialty businesses to expand production without losing quality.
How ALITECH Supports Tortilla Artisans
Reduces corn cooking time without altering flavor or texture.
Saves resources, making the process more sustainable and profitable.
Improves masa yield, ensuring superior-quality tortillas.
Key Insight: Artisans who integrate efficient technology can expand their businesses while preserving the authenticity of traditional tortillas.
Conclusion: Nixtamalized Tortilla—A Tradition That Evolves
On Artisan’s Day, we celebrate those who, through effort and dedication, keep the tradition of nixtamalized corn tortillas alive.
Today, thanks to technological innovation, it is possible to maintain the quality and flavor of artisanal tortillas while optimizing time and costs.
Tortilla-making remains an art, but now with more efficient tools.
ALITECH reactors modernize production without losing authenticity.
The future of tortillas lies in the balance of tradition and technology.
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