Difference Between Corn Flour And Maize Flour
When it comes to corn flour and maize flour, many people use the two terms interchangeably. However, these two types of flour are not the same thing. There are some differences between them that you should be aware of if you are planning to use them in your cooking or baking. This article will discuss the difference between corn flour and maize flour, their characteristics, and their uses.
What is Corn Flour?
Corn flour is made by grinding corn kernels into a fine powder. It is a type of flour that is made exclusively from corn. Corn flour can be made from both white and yellow corn, although it is generally made from yellow corn. Corn flour is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, where it is used to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes.
Corn flour is gluten-free, which makes it ideal for people who are gluten intolerant. It has a slightly sweet taste and a fine, powdery texture. Corn flour is also a good source of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, thiamin, and niacin.
What is Maize Flour?
Maize flour is made from maize, which is also known as corn. Maize is a cereal grain that is grown in many parts of the world, including the United States and Mexico. The maize kernels are ground into a fine powder to make maize flour.
Maize flour is commonly used in African cuisine, where it is used to make porridge, bread, and other dishes. It is also used in Indian and South American cuisine. Maize flour is gluten-free, which makes it a good choice for people who are gluten intolerant. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a coarse texture.
The Main Differences Between Corn Flour and Maize Flour
Now that you know what corn flour and maize flour are, let's take a look at the main differences between them.
Source
The main difference between corn flour and maize flour is the source. Corn flour is made exclusively from corn, whereas maize flour can be made from any type of maize, including sweetcorn and popcorn.
Color and Texture
The color and texture of corn flour and maize flour are also different. Corn flour is usually a light yellow color, whereas maize flour can range from white to yellow to gray. Corn flour has a fine, powdery texture, while maize flour has a coarser texture.
Uses
Corn flour and maize flour are used for different purposes in cooking and baking. Corn flour is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes. It is also used as a thickener for soups, stews, and sauces. Maize flour is commonly used in African cuisine to make porridge, bread, and other dishes. It is also used in Indian and South American cuisine to make bread, tortillas, and other dishes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, corn flour and maize flour are two different types of flour that are used for different purposes in cooking and baking. Corn flour is made exclusively from corn and is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, while maize flour can be made from any type of maize and is commonly used in African cuisine. Both flours are gluten-free, which makes them a good choice for people who are gluten intolerant. Understanding the difference between these two flours can help you choose the right one for your recipe and achieve the desired texture and flavor.