Difference Between Corn Starch And Corn Meal
Many people confuse corn starch with corn meal, but they are two different products that serve different purposes. Corn starch and corn meal are both made from corn, but they have different textures and uses. In this article, we will explore the differences between corn starch and corn meal.
What Is Corn Starch?
Corn starch is a fine, white powder that is made from the endosperm of corn kernels. This starch is extracted from the corn by grinding the kernels into a fine powder and then washing the powder to remove the protein and fiber. The resulting product is a pure starch that is used in a variety of ways in both cooking and baking.
Corn starch is often used as a thickener in soups, stews, and gravies. It is also used to thicken sauces and puddings, and to give baked goods a lighter texture. Corn starch can be used as a substitute for flour in gluten-free recipes.
What Is Corn Meal?
Corn meal is made from dried corn that has been ground into a course or fine flour. The texture of corn meal depends on the coarseness of the grind. Fine corn meal is often used in baking, while course corn meal is used to make polenta or cornbread.
Corn meal is often used to give texture to baked goods. It can be used in a variety of recipes including cornbread, muffins, and pancakes. Corn meal is also used to coat fried foods, such as chicken or fish, to give them a crispy texture.
What Are the Differences Between Corn Starch and Corn Meal?
The primary difference between corn starch and corn meal is their texture. Corn starch is a fine powder, while corn meal is a course or fine flour. Corn starch is often used as a thickener in recipes, while corn meal is used to give baked goods a crunchy texture.
Corn starch is often used in recipes that require a smooth texture, such as puddings or sauces. Corn meal is used in recipes that require a crunchy texture, such as cornbread or fried chicken.
Can Corn Starch Be Used as a Substitute for Corn Meal?
While corn starch and corn meal are both made from corn, they are not interchangeable in recipes. Corn starch cannot be used as a substitute for corn meal, as the two products have different textures and serve different purposes.
However, if you are looking for a substitute for corn meal in a recipe, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. These products will give your recipe a similar texture to corn meal.
Conclusion
Corn starch and corn meal are both made from corn, but they have different textures and uses in cooking and baking. Corn starch is used as a thickener, while corn meal is used to give baked goods a crunchy texture. While the two products are not interchangeable, there are substitutes that can be used in place of corn meal in recipes.