What is the difference between Masa harina and polenta cornmeal?

Masa harina and polenta cornmeal are both corn products but differ in their preparation and use. Masa harina is made from nixtamalized corn, which means the corn is soaked in an alkaline solution before grinding, giving it a distinct flavor and making it suitable for tortillas and tamales. Polenta cornmeal, on the other hand, is made from yellow corn that is ground to varying degrees of coarseness and is primarily used for making polenta or grits. The two have different textures and flavors, making them suitable for different culinary applications.