Nixtamalization is an essential process in Mexican gastronomy and culture. Thanks to this technique, corn is transformed into a nutrient-rich dough with the perfect texture for making tortillas, tamales, and other traditional foods. However, the conventional method can be inefficient and have a high environmental impact, mainly due to excessive water, gas, and electricity consumption, as well as waste like nejayote.
At Nextamalli, we believe that it is possible to honor tradition while adopting innovative technologies that make the process more efficient and sustainable. Sustainable nixtamalization is the future of the industry, and here’s how we can achieve it. 🌍💡
♻️ What is sustainable nixtamalization?
Sustainable nixtamalization involves implementing techniques and technologies that optimize natural resources while reducing the environmental impact of masa and tortilla production. Unlike the traditional method, which wastes large amounts of water and gas, sustainable processes allow for:
Energy and water savings without compromising product quality.
Reduction of waste pollutants like nejayote.
Improved production efficiency, increasing the amount of masa obtained per kilo of corn.
Lower operational costs by optimizing energy consumption.
Technological advancements have enabled the development of new cooking methods, water recycling systems, and high-efficiency reactors that are revolutionizing the tortilla and nixtamalization industry.
🔋 ALITECH Technology: Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the biggest challenges of traditional nixtamalization is high gas and electricity consumption. Conventional methods require long cooking hours, resulting in greater fuel and energy costs.
At Nextamalli, we have developed ALITECH technology, a system that reduces corn cooking time to just 2.5 hours, compared to the 6 to 8 hours of traditional methods. This leads to:
🔥 Up to 40% savings on fuel with gas reactors.
🔌 Lower electricity consumption with electric reactors, which can be powered by solar energy.
💰 Higher profitability for producers, as operational costs decrease while maximizing corn yield.
Additionally, using ALITECH reactors ensures consistent nixtamalization, resulting in high-quality masa while optimizing the corn-to-tortilla conversion process.
💧 Efficient Water Usage in Nixtamalization
Water is a key resource in the nixtamalization process, as it is used for both cooking and rinsing the corn. However, traditional methods waste enormous amounts of water, creating a significant environmental challenge.
To combat this waste, Nextamalli has implemented innovative solutions that allow for:
🚰 Water recycling and filtration systems for reuse in different stages of the process.
🌱 Minimization of nejayote waste, preventing soil and water pollution.
🔄 Optimized water usage, ensuring every liter is fully utilized.
With these improvements, producers can not only reduce their environmental impact but also lower operational costs while maximizing natural resources.
🌾 Reducing Waste and Utilizing By-Products
Nejayote, the liquid waste left after nixtamalization, is one of the biggest environmental challenges of the process. If not properly treated, it can contaminate soil and water sources.
At Nextamalli, we promote alternatives for utilizing by-products, reducing the amount of waste generated:
Treated nejayote can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops.
Corn husks and residues can be repurposed for livestock feed or composting.
Optimized nutrient extraction, ensuring that corn retains its full nutritional value.
These strategies help reduce the environmental footprint of the industry while creating a more efficient and sustainable production cycle.
🌍 Commitment to Sustainability in the Corn Industry
The future of nixtamalization lies in sustainability and energy efficiency. Adopting eco-friendly processes not only benefits producers and consumers but also helps preserve natural resources for future generations.
At Nextamalli, we are committed to revolutionizing the tortilla industry through technologies that:
Reduce environmental impact in masa and tortilla production.
Increase business profitability by cutting costs while maintaining high product quality.
Ensure production efficiency, optimizing every stage of the process.
📢 Want to transform your business with more sustainable practices? Contact us to learn how ALITECH technology can make your production more efficient, profitable, and eco-friendly. 🚀🌽
