Thanks to the Mexican restaurants that have spread in the main cities of Spain, few people have ever tried it huitlacoche, in tacos, mixed with Italian pasta or even hot or cold creams.
All of them will be amazed by the taste of this almost sauce-like pasta. Between earthy, sweet, leather and black truffle tonesAnd also boletus. And it is that its special flavor makes it a very different ingredient from other Mexican cuisines.
But in addition to the organoleptic properties that increase its market price, Huitlacosh stands out for its nutritional properties that make it interesting to be a plant food. or almost…
What is huitlacoche?
Huitlacoche is actually a few kernels of corn from an ear attacked by a fungus Ustilago maydisA specific parasite of corn that infects it produces tumors in flowers up to 10 cm.
First it is white and then it turns black and what it does is remove the corn flour from the inside fed by the fermentation of its sugars so that the grains remain light gray in color and have a paste consistency.
It is a very annoying fungus that can kill an entire corn plantation with a few infectious spores. This means that in countries such as the United States or England, it is greatly feared and fought against.
In France and Spain they call it Corn cakeAnd in England, where he was forced to burn entire plantations to fight, the so-called Corn cake which translated means the same thing. The reason is that the fungus forms resistant spores that are black as coal on the ear.
But in Mexico, they are looking for its appearance, because it is an infected plantation The market is more listed, gastronomy is understandable than healthy. In fact, it is sold in popular markets at a high price.
nutritional values
In this case, we cannot talk about a superfood, because its nutritional properties are not that many. However, what it has is very interesting for individuals and is being studied.
Პirveli, According to Professor Manuel Peinado Lorca of the Life Sciences Department of the University of Alcaláhighlights its high tryptophan content. Foods rich in tryptophan help calm anxiety and make us feel happier. This is because tryptophan It is a natural sedative and helps relieve insomnia by inducing normal sleep.
In addition, this essential amino acid increases the release of growth hormones, controls hyperactivity in children, helps treat migraines, and helps the immune system function properly.
This professor also notes that huitlacoche has a high content LysineAnother essential amino acid, which in this case ensures adequate absorption of calcium. In addition, it promotes the formation of collagen, which forms cartilage and connective tissue.
On the other hand, it helps to reduce the high level of triglycerides in the blood serum, which is bad cholesterol indirectly. In addition, the contribution of tryptophan and lysine from huitlacosh complements the other essential amino acids that corn contains, which precisely these two are lacking.
Huitlacoche also contains omega fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6), known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power, making them ideal for preventing cellular aging and carcinogenic tumor activity.
According to Mexico’s Federal Department of AgricultureIt also offers some interesting levels Vitamin CA fundamental vitamin for our immune system.
Finally, it is distinguished by minerals and dietary fibers, which help to modulate the glycemic index in the blood, which is no less a fact, considering that this delicacy provides almost 8 grams of sugar per 100 grams of product.
Source: El Diario
