Jeffrey B Short

US Patent:

60250119, Feb 15, 2000

Filed:

Jun 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/871672

Inventors:

Raleigh J. Wilkinson - Lockport IL
Jeffrey R. Short - Lincolnshire IL

Assignee:

J. R. Short Milling Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

A21D 200

US Classification:

426622

Abstract:

Whole kernel corn is ground and sifted to separate a coarse particle fraction which is then heated with lime and water to a temperature of at least 71. degree. C. and below 100. degree. C. , preferably about 99. degree. C. or less, for up to about 15 minutes. A fine particle fraction from the sifting step can be combined with the heat treated coarse fraction. The resulting heat treated mixture is then dried under a vacuum while continuously mixing for at least about 20 minutes to obtain a dried masa flour having a moisture content of about 7% to about 12% by weight. Thereafter, the dried masa flour can be ground while maintaining the temperature below the gelatinization temperature to reduce the particle size of the masa flour without further gelatinization.