Simply translated, masa — the foundation for every perfect tortilla, tostada, tamale, pozole, arepa and gordita — means dough. It unites North and South America, defying any one cultural identity.

The dough that makes up the exterior of tamales is known as masa. This shouldn't be confused with masa harina, which is a kind of corn flour often used in tamales (as well as corn tortillas and more).

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Claudia Alarcón covers food, drinks and travel in places near and far. Tamales are one of the most iconic foods of Mexico. These ...

DOWNEY, Calif. (KABC) -- It's that time of year when many Latino families are loading up on a golden item: masa dough for tamales. Many customers are turning to a popular Los Angeles grocery chain, ...

Tradition. It's a word that gets thrown around quite a bit during the holidays -- honoring them, creating new ones and sharing them with friends and family. Inevitably, many of these traditions center ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. (Nicole Medina / For The Times) "These are likely the last tamales I will ever make," my aunt and godmother Vicky says as she ...

Rain or shine, people from both near and far embark on the journey to Amapola Market in Downey each year to get their hands on the essential ingredient for Christmas tamales – masa. “We make the masa ...