Generality
The cornstarch is powdered refined corn starch, NOT to be confused with corn flour which it is whole wheat;
The cornstarch looks like a very fine white flour, almost identical in appearance to wheat flour type "00" or to that of refined rice.
The production difference between cornstarch and other flours deprived of fiber lies in the order of the various processing steps. For wheat, for example, first the grinding takes place and then the sieve that separates the bran from the flour; on the contrary, the cornstarch is obtained by:
- Deprivation of the bran (external fibrous coating) and of the germ (embryo or "live" portion of the seed, rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamins)
- Grinding of the endosperm (which contains the vegetable reserve of starch).
Compared to the derivatives already mentioned, from a chemical and nutritional point of view, cornstarch has a higher carbohydrate content and a lower quantity of water, lipids and proteins; cornstarch therefore boasts a greater energy density.
On the contrary, corn flour corresponds to the "wholemeal" derivative of corn seeds.
Use and destination of cornstarch
Corn has two very important characteristics that determine its use in the kitchen:
- It does NOT contain gluten: it is therefore widely used in preparations aimed at feeding the celiac, as well as rice flour and potato starch
- It contains more starch but less water, proteins, lipids and non-viscous fibers than other flours: this characteristic gives it a greater thickening power than other derivatives.
Regarding the second point, we remind you that cornstarch constitutes a potential natural "food additive" (therefore harmless) with thickener and anti-caking properties.
Cornstarch is also used in the cosmetic industry and as an alternative home remedy against various ailments; in beauty products, cornstarch has the main function of skin softener, while if applied topically or used diluted in a hot bath it is useful in reduction of skin rashes (hives, solar dermatitis, etc.).
The cornstarch is also aimed at many other productions that have nothing to do with food or cosmetics, for example the paper industry, that of lubricants or detergents.
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