Uses of white corn hybrids

Abstract

The present invention provides hybrid white corn that produces grain with novel compositional characteristics, such as, higher endosperm protein concentration and low levels of carotenoids. The compositional changes facilitate the use of an improved process for wet milling of white corn and improve the characteristics and performance of the products derived therefrom. A high protein, nearly carotene-free corn gluten meal and substantially pure starch are extracted from this white corn having a unique genotype, a unique kernel phenotype and advantage in the wet milling process is disclosed.

1 - 52 . (canceled)  
   
   
       53 . A method of producing masa comprising: 
 a) mixing corn kernels with water and lime to produce a mixture;    b) heating said mixture at less than 93° C.;    c) steeping siad mixture for less than 7.0 hours; and    d) draining said water off said mixture to produce a masa.    
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said heating is a temperature between about 80° C. and about 93° C.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said steeping is conducted for between about 4 hours and about 7 hours.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said corn kernels are white corn.  
   
   
       57 . A glutan produced from wet milling white corn having a phosphorous level of less than 0.6% of said gluten  
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said masa has a cohesiveness value of greater than 0.16 at a 30 minute cook time.  
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said masa has an adhesiveness value of greater than 90 with a 30 minute cook time.  
   
   
       60 - 61 . (canceled)