Are Cornmeal And Corn Flour The Same Thing
When it comes to cooking, ingredients are of utmost importance. And with the vast range of choices available in the market, it is easy to get confused about what to choose. Two such ingredients that often lead to confusion are cornmeal and corn flour. So, are they the same thing? Let’s find out!
What Is Cornmeal?
Cornmeal is a powder made by grinding corn kernels into a coarse or fine consistency. It is commonly used in baking and cooking, especially in southern United States cuisine. It is naturally gluten-free and is often used as a substitute for wheat flour. Cornmeal comes in different varieties such as yellow, white, and blue, with each having its unique flavor and texture.
What Is Corn Flour?
Corn flour, on the other hand, is a finely ground powder made by milling the entire corn kernel. It is much finer than cornmeal and has a smoother texture. It is often used as a thickener in soups, stews, and gravies. Corn flour is also used in making tortillas, tamales, and other Mexican dishes.
Is There Any Difference Between Cornmeal And Corn Flour?
Yes, cornmeal and corn flour are not the same things. Cornmeal has a coarser texture than corn flour, and it is made by grinding only the endosperm of the corn kernel. Corn flour, on the other hand, is ground from the entire corn kernel, including the germ and bran.
Because of this difference, cornmeal is typically used as a breading for fried foods and as a base for cornbread and muffins. Corn flour, on the other hand, is used as a thickening agent in recipes like puddings, sauces, and gravies.
Can Cornmeal Be Used In Place Of Corn Flour?
While cornmeal can be used as a substitute for corn flour, it may not work in all recipes. Cornmeal has a coarser texture than corn flour, so it may not thicken sauces and gravies in the same way that corn flour does. However, if you don’t have corn flour on hand, and your recipe calls for it, you can use cornmeal as a substitute by increasing the amount of cornmeal by one-third of what the recipe calls for.
The Bottom Line
It is evident that cornmeal and corn flour are two different ingredients that can’t always be used interchangeably. They have distinct textures and are used in different ways in cooking and baking. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between them to use them correctly in your recipes.
Whether you’re making cornbread, tortillas or thickening a stew, knowing the difference between cornmeal and corn flour can help you make the right choice and achieve the desired results.