Ways To Use Corn Starch For Various Purposes At Home
If you have cornstarch at home you can use it in many ways. Corn starch which is a fine white powder derived from the endosperm of corn kernels, has a wide range of cooking and non-culinary uses due to its unique properties. Do you know – corn starch body powder is highly recommended for rashes?
Here are some of the benefits of cornstarch:
- Thickening agent: Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in cooking and baking. When mixed with liquid and heated, it forms a smooth, clear, and lump-free consistency, making it ideal for thickening sauces, soups, gravies, and pie fillings.
- Gluten free: As cornstarch is naturally gluten-free it is a suitable alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity in recipes that traditionally call for wheat-based thickeners like flour.
- Texture enhancement: In baking, cornstarch can be used to create lighter and more delicate textures in cakes, cookies, and pastries. It helps tenderize and produce a finer crumb structure.
- Binding agent: Cornstarch can be used as a binding agent in recipes in fritters, cutlets or add to curry to help hold ingredients together.
- Gravy and sauce clarity: When added to gravies, sauces, and clear soups, cornstarch can improve clarity and give them a glossy appearance.
- Dessert fillings: Cornstarch is commonly used to make custards, puddings, and fruit pie fillings, as it thickens without imparting a noticeable flavor.
- Frying coating: It is often used as part of a batter or coating for frying foods. Cornstarch can create a crispy, golden exterior when frying.
- As body powder: Cornstarch is used as a natural and soothing body powder to help absorb moisture and reduce friction, making it useful for preventing chafing and diaper rash.
- First aid: Cornstarch can be used to help soothe minor skin irritations, such as sunburn, insect bites, and rashes. It can provide relief by absorbing excess moisture and reducing friction.
- Homemade playdough: Cornstarch is an essential ingredient in many homemade playdough recipes, creating a smooth and pliable texture.
- Cleaning agent: Cornstarch can be used as a natural cleaning agent for polishing furniture, cleaning windows, and even removing carpet stains.
- Shoe deodorizer: It can be used to absorb odors in shoes and as a natural alternative to commercial shoe deodorizers.
- Fire extinguisher: In some fire safety applications, cornstarch can be used as a non-toxic fire extinguisher for small kitchen fires involving grease or oil.
Store cornstarch in a cool, dry place and keep it tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause clumping. While cornstarch offers numerous benefits, it should be used in moderation in cooking and should not be considered a dietary staple due to its low nutritional value and high carbohydrate content.
Image credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer | Flickr ; https://www.flickr.com/photos/30478819@N08/49940893976/in/photostream/ (Free to use for commercial purpose -CC by 2.0)
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 6, 2023
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