중남미

Nixtamalization process generates a large amount of waste called nejayote. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the microbiological and rheological properties of masa obtained from nixtamalized maize with nejayote at processing and 4 days after processing. Rheological parameters (elastic and viscous modulus) showed no significant difference between days 1 and day 4 for masa with 2:1 diluted nejayote. Microbiological analyses showed an increase in Fusarium verticillioides in masa with diluted nejayote 1:1 (water/full‐strength nejayote) at day 4. Penicillium aethiopicum showed no growth in masa with diluted nejayote 2:1 (water:full‐strength nejayote). Rhodotorula and bacteria showed higher growth in control masa for day 1 and 4, respectively. Masa with 2:1 diluted nejayote showed no bacterial growth at day 1, and the day 4 bacterial growth was lower than control masa. Hence, the microbiological quality of masa nejayote 2:1 was better than control masa, which could increase shelf‐life.