Corn Flour The Same As Corn Starch
Corn flour and corn starch are two popular ingredients that are commonly used in cooking and baking. Although they may look similar, they are not the same thing. In this article, we will explore the differences between corn flour and corn starch, and how they can be used in recipes.
What is Corn Flour?
Corn flour, also known as maize flour, is a fine powder made from corn kernels that have been dried and ground. It is commonly used in baking and cooking, especially in Latin American and Southern cuisine.
Corn flour is often used to make tortillas, tamales, and bread. It can also be used as a thickener for sauces, gravies, and soups. Corn flour has a slightly sweet flavor and a subtle corn taste, which can add flavor and texture to dishes.
What is Corn Starch?
Corn starch, also known as cornflour in the UK and Australia, is a fine, powdery substance made from the endosperm of corn kernels. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, and is often used to thicken gravies, sauces, and pies.
Corn starch is a tasteless and odorless powder, which makes it a great choice for thickening dishes without altering their flavor. It is also a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking, as it helps to bind ingredients together and create a more cohesive texture.
Differences Between Corn Flour and Corn Starch
Although corn flour and corn starch may look similar, they have different properties that make them suitable for different recipes. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
- Corn flour is made from whole corn kernels, while corn starch is made from the endosperm of corn kernels.
- Corn flour is often used as a main ingredient in recipes, while corn starch is typically used as a thickening agent.
- Corn flour has a slightly sweet flavor and a subtle corn taste, while corn starch is tasteless and odorless.
- Corn flour is often used in Latin American and Southern cuisine, while corn starch is commonly used in Asian and European cooking.
How to Use Corn Flour and Corn Starch in Recipes
Both corn flour and corn starch can be used in a variety of recipes, but they are best suited for different purposes. Here are some tips for using each ingredient:
- Corn flour is best used in recipes that require a corn flavor and a coarse texture, such as tortillas, tamales, and bread.
- Corn flour can be used as a thickener, but it may not be as effective as corn starch due to its coarse texture.
- Corn starch is best used as a thickening agent in recipes such as gravies, sauces, and pies.
- Corn starch can also be used in gluten-free baking to help bind ingredients together and create a more cohesive texture.
Conclusion
While corn flour and corn starch may look similar, they are two different ingredients with different properties. Corn flour is best suited for recipes that require a corn flavor and a coarse texture, while corn starch is best used as a thickening agent in recipes such as gravies, sauces, and pies. Both ingredients can be used in a variety of recipes, so it's important to understand their differences and how they can be used in cooking and baking.