Corn starch, also known as cornstarch, is an ingredient that is often used in various types of dishes. Although it looks simple, corn starch has many uses ranging from thickening dishes to basic ingredients in baking. Let's talk more about what corn starch is, how it is made, and how it differs from other commonly misunderstood ingredients, such as corn meal and corn flour.
Related Post: Get to know the types of olive oil and its health benefits
Corn starch is starch extracted from corn kernels. It is not the same as corn starch that comes from all parts of the corn kernel, as corn starch is only taken from the endosperm of the corn kernel. Corn starch has a smooth, white, and light texture, and is very soluble in water, making it an ideal ingredient as a thickener in cooking.
The process of making corn starch starts with separating the endosperm part of the corn kernel. The corn is first soaked in water to soften the seed part. Afterward, the corn kernels are ground to separate the outer layer (bran) and germ from the endosperm. The endosperm is then further processed to extract pure starch, which is then dried and ground to a fine powder, corn starch.
Corn starch is often known by various names depending on the region. In Indonesia, the most common name is cornstarch, referring to the same product. In some other countries, the term used can be different, such as cornflour in the UK, but be careful as “cornflour” can also mean corn flour in some places.
Although derived from corn, corn meal, corn flour, and corn starch are different products:
Corn starch has a variety of functions in the culinary and industrial world. Here are some of the main uses of corn starch:
Related Post: What Oil is Best for Baking?
By understanding this, corn starch is not only a thickening agent, but also has many other uses. Prambanan Kencana has the best quality Corn Starch products. Get more detailed information here, or contact WhatsApp PRB Care.