What is the best way to store corn starch?

Corn starch, which is more commonly known as corn flour is a by-product which is received when corn is being processed for various products. It is a kind of a carbohydrate which is extracted from the endosperm of corn. It is white in colored and is available in powdered form. It is used in many household and culinary purposes and also in many industries for varied use. The main and primary use of maize starch is that it is used as a thickening agent for soups, sauces, glazes, soups, pies and casseroles etc.

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Corn starch is a gluten-free product which is used as an alternative to flour thickener in several recipes. It is important to know exactly how to use corn starch so as to be able to get the best benefits out of it. The following are some of the tips and suggestions on storing and using corn starch.

How should corn starch or corn flour be used?

Starch or corn flour must be mixed into a room or cool temperature liquids and then heated to result into a thickening action. It is often preferred to flour as a thickener because of the fact that the resultant gel is transparent in texture rather than opaque. Maize starch can be used as an alternative at about half the volume of flour in any kind of a dish or recipe.

Corn flour can also be used for coating of tarts, pies and other kinds of desserts before baking them. What happens is that a thin layer of corn starch tends to mix with fruit juices and then gets thickened during the baking process. This process prevents pies and other kinds of desserts from having a runny or watery type of a texture.

For this reason, maize starch is also used as an anti-caking agent. Over a very thin layer of corn flour, shredded cheese is often coated so as to prevent it from getting clumped. The corn starch also aids the absorption of moisture from condensation and also prevents the process of developing of a slimy kind of texture.

Maize starch or corn flour must never be added straight into hot liquid as it can lead to formation of clumps. Sauces and other kinds of mixes thickened using corn starch should not be frozen as it will break down the gelatinized starch matrix and the mix will tend to become thin.

How to store corn starch?

It is very important to keep corn flour in an air tight container because corn starch absorbs moisture. In an air tight container, it will not be exposed to ambient humidity. Also, it must be kept away from extreme heat. It must be kept in a sealed container and in a dry and cool place. If stored properly, it will last indefinitely.

If you wish to purchase corn starch in bulk, you can contact companies like HL Agro which sell wholesale corn starch and other kinds of derivatives.

Cornstarch is an essential ingredient in so many dishes&#;from helping crisp meat and thicken sauces, stews, and gravy to keeping pie crust from getting soggy. Despite cornstarch being a kitchen staple, you might find an older container sitting in the back of your pantry for quite a while.

So, does cornstarch go bad, or can you use it past the date marked on the box? Here's everything you need to know about how long cornstarch lasts and how to store it properly&#;plus how to use it and how to tell if you should no longer use it.

Does Cornstarch Go Bad?

Good news: Cornstarch is one of those baking staples that doesn't truly expire and can last for years. Cornstarch doesn't lose potency over time, so if it looks and smells okay, it's perfectly fine to use cornstarch well beyond any best-by or expiration date the manufacturer has posted on the box.

If cornstarch does go bad, it's usually because moisture or pests have been able to get to it&#;and you'll notice it immediately. Should you find your cornstarch has an off taste or flavor (think sour or "funky") or an "off" color, stop using it and discard the container.

How to Store Cornstarch So It Lasts Longer

Like most other grain-based ingredients (such as wheat flour or quinoa), cornstarch should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place to extend its life as long as possible (like a kitchen cabinet or pantry). Ensure that it's in a tightly sealed container, as mice, insects, and other pests could be attracted to the cornstarch.

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Many manufacturers now sell cornstarch in a well-sealed plastic container to help you keep any potential pests or moisture at bay. So feel free to keep your cornstarch in that container or transfer it to another tightly sealed glass or plastic food container, especially if you store essential ingredients in a matching set of storage containers.

Avoid storing cornstarch in the refrigerator or freezer because you want to keep it dry and away from moisture to help it last longer.

How to Use Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a culinary workhorse you'll pull out many times&#;especially in the fall when it's used to help thicken gravy, pie filling, and other Thanksgiving meal must-haves. To thicken dishes, mix the cornstarch with the liquid you're using (i.e., broth, juice, or melted butter), and let it come to a boil to unlock cornstarch's thickening ability.

You can also use cornstarch as an even more effective substitute for flour in recipes that use flour to thicken a sauce or soup (think gravy, mac and cheese, and pot pies). When substituting cornstarch for flour, cut the amount used by half. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 Tbsp of flour, use 1/2 Tbsp of cornstarch.

Using Cornstarch for Cleaning

Cornstarch can also be used around the house and for cleaning, much like baking soda. It's an effective deodorizer, can be made into a gentle scrub to take care of stains on pots and pans, and it's especially effective at absorbing and removing grease stains.

Using cornstarch around the house, in addition to cooking or baking with it, will help you go through that container of cornstarch quickly&#;so you won't ever have to worry about whether your cornstarch has gone bad.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can bacteria grow in cornstarch?

  Bacteria or fungi can grow in cornstarch, especially if it comes into contact with moisture or isn't properly stored. This is why you should never use cornstarch on your skin. To avoid bacterial or fungal growth in cornstarch, store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from moisture.

• Does cornstarch lose its thickening power?

  While cornstarch doesn't naturally lose its thickening ability from being stored for a long time, its thickening power can be decreased if not treated correctly. Exposure to too much heat or agitation can cause the cornstarch's molecules to degrade and lead to a thinner consistency. For best results, cornstarch should be added during the final cooking stage or left alone once brought to a boiling point.

• What is the difference between cornstarch and corn flour?

  Cornstarch and corn flour are different products used in varying ways when cooking or baking. Corn flour is made from corn kernels and is full of nutrients like protein and fiber. Cornstarch is a fine powder used for thickening foods and is essentially a starch comprised of carbohydrates.

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