Grain, masa, and tortilla quality of native maize races from Central Mexico: valuing agrobiodiversity for conservation and food use

Native maize agrobiodiversity is a strategic plant genetic resource for supporting conservation, food security, and traditional agroecosystems in Mexico. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the grain, masa, and tortilla produced from 16 native maize ( Zea mays L.) races from central Mexico, collected in twelve municipalities of the state of Puebla. The evaluation of grain, masa, and tortilla characteristics was conducted at the Maize Quality Laboratory under a completely randomized design with two replicates. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences ( P ≤ 0.01) among the evaluated races in the physical characteristics of the grain, nixtamalization properties, and color and texture attributes of the tortillas. The races showed a wide range of endosperm hardness, from very hard to very soft, as well as diversity in hectoliter weight and grain size, ranging from small to very large. The Elotes Conicos, Chalqueño, and Zapalote Chico races had very soft endosperm texture. The Pepitilla race had the most suitable moisture values, while Chalqueño had the lowest values for this parameter. There was also wide variation in luminosity, °Hue, and Chroma, associated with the diversity of grain colors, including cream, white, yellow, blue, and red. The red-grained Arrocillo and white-grained Chalqueño races were the most strongly contrasting in color, mainly in the relationship between luminosity and °Hue. These results demonstrate that native maize races from central Mexico maintain broad variation in grain, masa, and tortilla quality attributes. This diversity highlights their importance as reservoirs of agrobiodiversity and as strategic resources for conservation, food use, the masa and tortilla industry, and breeding programs aimed at the sustainable use of native plant genetic resources.