Tamales de maíz azul

Tamales de maíz azul are traditional Mexican tamales made from blue corn masa, a dough with a striking purple-blue hue from the anthocyanin-rich corn. The masa is typically filled with ingredients like cheese, rajas (roasted poblano strips), or meats, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are a festive and regionally cherished variation of the classic tamale, particularly associated with states like Oaxaca and Puebla.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Tamales de maíz azul are a carbohydrate-rich food due to the corn masa, with moderate protein from the corn and any filling, and fat content depending on the lard or oil used in the dough and the filling. They provide dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium from the blue corn.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	310 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	420 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	65 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Potassium	290 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	3.2 mg
Folate	55 mcg
Zinc	1.8 mg

Per 1 tamale (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The vibrant blue-purple color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants also found in berries, making these tamales nutritionally unique among tamale varieties. Culturally, they represent the deep heritage of native maize cultivation in Mesoamerica, where blue corn has been a sacred and staple crop for millennia.