Masa Harina 101: Brands Available in Germany & Where to Find Them
Masa Harina 101: Brands Available in Germany & Where to Find Them
So, you've decided to graduate from buying tortillas to making them yourself. Respect.
There is nothing quite like a hot tortilla straight off the comal (or your frying pan). But if you try to use "Maismehl" from DM or Polenta from Rewe, you are going to have a bad time.
To make real tortillas, you need Masa Harina (Nixtamalized Corn Flour). Here is your guide to the brands available in Germany.
1. Maseca (The Classic)
- Origin: Mexico
- The Vibe: The Coca-Cola of corn flour. It's what 90% of taco stands in Mexico use.
- Best For: Beginners. It's very forgiving and easy to mix.
- Where to buy: Mexhaus, Mexgrocer.
2. Naturelo (The Premium Choice)
- Origin: Mexico
- The Vibe: GMO-Free, whole grain, more rustic.
- Taste: Earthier, stronger corn flavor.
- Best For: Foodies who want the best taste. Their Blue Corn flour is spectacular.
- Where to buy: Hola México.
3. P.A.N. (The Venezuelan Style)
- Origin: Venezuela/USA
- Wait! Most P.A.N. flour sold in regular supermarkets is Pre-cooked Corn Meal for Arepas, NOT for tortillas.
- Look for: The Orange bag (Mezcla para Tortillas). The Yellow and White bags make great Arepas, but terrible tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polenta the same as Masa Harina? Absolutely not! Polenta is simply ground dried corn. Masa Harina is nixtamalized corn, meaning it has been treated with an alkaline solution (usually calcium hydroxide or "lime"). This process changes the chemical structure of the corn, allowing it to form a dough. You cannot make tortillas with Polenta; the dough will simply crumble.
Which brand of Masa Harina is best for tamales? While you can use standard Maseca, many cooks prefer a slightly coarser grind for tamales. Both Maseca and Naturelo offer specific "Tamal" versions of their flour in Germany. Look for the label "Masa Harina para Tamales" on the bag.
Is Masa Harina gluten-free? Yes, pure corn Masa Harina is naturally gluten-free. However, if you are highly sensitive, always check the packaging for cross-contamination warnings, as some brands are processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Where can I find Blue Corn Flour (Harina de Maíz Azul) in Germany? The brand "Naturelo" is the most common source of blue corn flour in Germany. You can find it in specialized online Mexican shops or certain high-end delicatessens in cities like Berlin or Hamburg.
How do I store Masa Harina to keep it fresh? Keep the bag in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it's best to transfer the flour to an airtight container. Because of its moisture content, nixtamalized flour can sometimes attract pantry moths or become stale if left in open paper bags in a humid kitchen.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of Masa Harina is the first step to becoming a true Mexican home cook in Germany. Once you've tried a tortilla made from fresh masa, you'll never go back to the supermarket wraps.
¡Buen provecho and happy pressing!
Ready to start cooking? Check out our directory of Mexican grocery stores to order your first bag of Masa Harina today!