Corn starch has thickening properties, therefore it is used in the kitchen as a thickener for dishes and an addition to baked goods, giving them a fine texture. In addition, it works as a stain remover and brings relief from sunburn. What other properties does corn starch have and where else is it used? How to replace corn starch? Where to buy it and what is its price?
Corn starch,aka mazein, is obtained from white corn sticks - unlike corn flour, which is obtained from corn kernels. Corn starch is a gluten-free product, it is in the form of a powder and has a white color and a neutral odor. Corn starch haspropertiesthickening properties, therefore it is usedin the kitchen and not only.
Corn starch - properties and nutritional values
Corn starch is a source of carbohydrates. It contains minimal amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, which cover only a few percent of the recommended daily intake for an adult. It does not have - apart from technological properties - he alth values. The only undoubted advantage of corn starch is that it is a gluten-free product.
Is corn he althy?
Worth knowingCorn starch - nutritional values in 100 g of the product
Caloric value - 360 kcal Protein - 0.4 g Fat - 0.6 g Carbohydrates - 88.3 g Fiber - 0.5 g
Minerals(% of RDA for an adult)
Phosphorus - 99.0 mg (14%) Potassium - 5.0 mg (0.1%) Sodium - 1.7 mg (0.1%) Calcium - 10.0 mg (1%) Iron - 0.28 mg (3%) Magnesium - 4.0 mg (1%) Zinc - 0.5 mg (5%)
Vitamins
Vitamin B2 - 0.008 mg (1%) Niacin - 0.08 mg (1%) Vitamin B6 - 0.005 mg (0.4%)
Danish Food Composition Databank, Nutrition Standards, Amendment IŻŻ, 2012
Corn starch - use in the kitchen
Corn starch is mainly used as a thickener for soups, stews and sauces, which, thanks to the addition of corn starch, are more transparent and shinier. Corn starch must first be added to cold water, mixed, and then poured into the sauce or soup. Corn starch is more commonly used ingastronomy, because it is odorless and has stronger thickening properties.
A better alternative to cornstarch is tapioca flour, which also has thickening properties.
Mazeina is also an addition to baking: cakes and cookies, sponge cakes, pies, pancakes in order to obtain a fine texture of baking and increase the moisture content of gluten-free baking. Also perfect as a thickener for puddings, jelly, creams.
Corn starch - use in household and cosmetology
Corn starch can also be used to clean surfaces from oil, blood, food stains, to clean pots, pans, tableware and kitchen appliances, and as a softener for laundry.
In addition, corn starch in combination with water in the form of a paste will work as a remedy for insect bites (relieve itching) - and for sunburn (reduce pain and burning).
Additionally, you can use dry cornstarch as a dry shampoo to quickly refresh your hair.
Worth knowingCorn starch - where to buy? What's the price?
Corn starch can be bought in supermarkets, he alth food stores, online stores for 5 to 18 zlotys per kilogram. When buying, it is worth paying attention to whether the product is GMO-free and whether the manufacturer declares that it is a gluten-free product. Store the cornstarch in a closed container in a cool, dry place.