A Reddit user is seeking advice on identifying high-quality masa harina, noting significant variations in aroma between different brands and batches available in the UK. Some versions lack the expected "proper" masa smell, while others retain a strong, desirable scent even after extended storage. The inquiry highlights differences between pre-packaged options, including a specific Maseca white flour and another brand sold in smaller, store-labeled bags. Buyers are left wondering whether packaging details or other factors determine the product’s aromatic intensity.
Brit here. There have been a couple of questions about corn flours & cornmeal today. I need to add another, while we have the attention of Americans/Mexicans to help out;) Masa harina - you can get it in the UK but I've noticed it has different qualities depending on which manufacturer you get. Some barely has any aroma at all, yet some has the most intense smell. I love the second, the one with all the aroma. At the moment I've got a bag of Maseca white (specifically this one https://spicesontheweb.co.uk/beans-flours-lentils/maseca-white-flour-1kg/?searchid=0&search_query=masa ) which has very little of what I think of as that 'proper' masa smell, yet the last one I had had a huge aroma. Unfortunately I cannot remember the make. I have a vague recollection that it was their own label, not pre-bagged. They sell most of their spices this way. They bag in ziplocks with a small printed label. How can I tell which is which, just from the label? Or is there more to it than that? I know it changes with age - I don't get through it particularly quickly - but even after a year the aroma was dulled yet not gone. This is the other one my usual supplier stocks - https://spicesontheweb.co.uk/naturelo-harina-de-maiz-blanco-white-corn-flour-1kg/?searchid=0&search_query=masa which I haven't yet tried. submitted by /u/NortonBurns [link] [comments]
