1. Tamales By: OsamahElhams

2. My curiosity I’ve always wondered how tamales are made?… What is the history surrounding the Tamale? Where do they come from? What ingredients are required to make them? Does the process in making tamales from a whole foods store effect the environment? ?

3. History of the tamale The word tamale is derived from the word tamalii from the language called Nahuatl which was spoken by the Azetcs. The idea of the tamale originated Mesoamerica. The tamale traces back to 5000 BC. Tamales where made and used as portable foods often to support the Aztec or Mayan and Incan warriors. The Tamales would provide protein, Vitamin C and other important nutrients as well.

4. Ingredients used Corn husk is the outer shell or coating of a seed. It is referred to as the leafy outer covering of the corn. Chili peppers are from a fruit plant called Capsicum. Paprika is one of the spices added to the tamale Chicken/beef/Chile are fillings used for the tamele cumin seeds is a spice added to the corn masa Gibhardts Chili Powder is from a dried fruit.

5. Corn Masa The corn is harvested without the use of pesticides. This is great because this method of growing corn does not effect the environment. When the corn is ripe it is picked from the crop fields and used for corn masa. The corn is used to make the corn Masa. Corn Masa is a thick, soft and eatable layer of mashed up corn. The cook usually gathers the ripe corn and puts them inside a bowl that is filled with water. The pores in the corn dough absorb the water.

6. Chicken The chicken is the most essential part of the treat because it is filled inside the tamale. Some farms that own chickens raise the chickens by using the free-range method. The free range method allows the chicken to roam freely around the farm. However they can not leave the farm. The chicken doesn’t have to be confined to such a small cage with a bunch of other chickens.

7. The recipe The corn is placed into a bowl and smashed into a mushy-like substance. The corn goes through the process of Nixtamalization”. -Digestibility -Easier grinding Various spices are added to the corn dough so that it can add flavor to the tamale. Once the corn dough is complete the chicken is spooned onto the center of the tamale.