Fresh, Small Batch,
Heirloom Corn
Tortillas
BY YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD MOLINO
Hecho Con Aloha in Honolulu, Hawaii
Our Tortilleria
Here at RAIZ, the quality and integrity of our product will always come first. This means that our corn, our process, and our mission is at the heart of everything we do. Our corn is sustainably sourced from small rural farms across Mexico, cultivated by farmers maintaining generations of heirloom biodiverse species. Our process is long and laborious, but it yields the most superior product. And our mission, our ‘why’, is our engine — to bring an authentic, delicious, and rooted foundation to Mexican culinary in Hawaii, and to play an integral part in the preservation and perpetuation of our mother corn — the heart of Mexico.
Where To Find Us, Try Us, Buy Us
“RAÍZ — This is a tribute to our ancestors; our roots. ”
The Corn | El Maíz
A promise to the corn means a promise to it all — the farmers who cultivate it, the generations who sustain it, the land that nourishes it, and the culture that roots it. Raiz pledges to always use varieties of corn that contribute to the heirloom lifecycle, sustainability, and biodiversity.
‘Sin Maíz, No Hay Pais’ || Without Corn, There Is No Country
Mexican Proverb
Our corn is sourced from small heirloom farms throughout Mexico (Oaxaca, Estado de Mexico, Tlaxcala to name a few). Our purveyors work with a network of over 2000 heirloom farms, and procure only the surplus crop after families and communities have been sustained for the season. Crop is bought at a premium rate, relieving several financial burdens for these farming families.
On occasion, we feature locally harvested corn from Waimanalo, Oahu in our tortillas and cornmeal. If you are, or know of a local farmer growing heirloom corn, please send them our way!
Our Process | Nixtamalization
AND WHY IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Nixtamalization is the Mesoamerican process of cooking heirloom corn (or any grain) in an alkaline solution, followed by grinding the softened kernels into masa (dough).
Nixtamal, when broken down in Nahuatl, or Aztec language is, nextli which means “ashes” and tamalli, “unformed corn dough”. The alkaline solution in ancient Aztec and Mayan times comprised of wood-ash, where kitchens today utilize slaked lime (derived from coral) boiled in water. The corn is then cooked in this solution and soaked overnight.
The nixtamalized corn (hominy) is now completely transformed — the kernels are rinsed and the pericarp (shell) is removed, exposing the seed’s valuable nutrients, making it all the more digestible and delicious. Think of each kernel as little flavor and vitamin bombs — and when ground into masa to become tortillas, packs together satisfaction and healthy energy creating the utmost and OG superfood.
Our Story
Upon his return from Mexico in 2018, Chef Ramón Germán couldn't wait to open his own restaurant in Hawaii. But when he realized that he couldn't find the fresh tortillas he made and ate daily, he switched focus.
RAIZ is the home of our micro-tortilleria — focused on ancestral-style nixtamal tortillas made fresh with beautiful varieties of non-GMO heirloom corn for our island community.
Our Tortillas
Online Store Coming Soon
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Online Store Coming Soon 〰️
Heirloom Blue Corn Tortillas
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Cónico Azul | Estado d e Mexico & Tlaxcala
Bolita Azul | Oaxaca, Mexico
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Earthy and sweet like elote, pairs best with beans and queso. Softest texture.
Heirloom Yellow Corn Tortillas
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Bolita Amarillo | Oaxaca, Mexico
Ollotillo Amarillo | Oaxaca, Mexico
Tuxpeño | Chiapas, Mexico
Tuxpeño | Santa Rosa, Mexico
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Sweeter vegetable notes that bring to mind carrots and butternut sauash. Denser starch content. Best for chips.
Heirloom White Corn Tortillas
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Chalaueño Cremoso | Tlaxcala,Mexico
Cónico Blanco | Tlaxcala, Mexico
Tolonki Cremoso | Estado de Mexico
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Soft and creamy. Light starch density. Traditional table tortilla.
Heirloom Red Corn Tortillas (Seasonal)
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Bolita Belatove | Oaxaca, Mexico
Cónico Roio I Estado d e Mexico
Nalo Red | Waimanalo, Hawaii
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Creating a lovely w a r m pink or light red masa, with a sweet and light nutty flavor. It makes for an excellent table tortilla.
It is also our promise to deliver
nothing but pure masa and tortillas using
ONLY THREE INGREDIENTS: CORN, WATER, AND LIME
— simple as they are intended to be —
just how our ancestors made them.
Corn varieties are subject to availability and may vary based on seasonality and supply.
Our purveyors have developed close relationships with a network of rural heirloom farms, and only purchase the surplus crop after they have sustained their families and community. We support this responsible and sustainable model.
Inconsistencies in supply do occur, as this is the nature of heirloom crops and we apologize for any inconveniences in advance.
Simple: Only 3 Ingredients, Heirloom Corn, Water, Calcium Oxide
Pure: 100% Non-GMO Heirloom Corn
Clean: Gluten-Free, Preservative-Free, Additive-Free, Vegan
Nutritious: Nixtamalization unlocks Key innate nutrients within the corn and makes it easier for the body to absorb. Rich in Calcium, Niacin (Vitamin B3), and antioxidants.
The Raíz Difference
Sustainable: Our corn is responsibly sourced from small familial farms throughout Mexico (and seasonally in Hawaii.) Only surplus crop is procured after families and communities have been sustained. The corn is bought at a premium rate, relieving farmers of financial burdens, and providing sustainability into the next season.