Quick Search
Cornstarch is versatile, easily modified, and finds many uses in industry such as adhesives, in paper products, as an anti-sticking agent, and textile manufacturing.
Cornstarch has medical uses as well, such as to supply glucose for people with glycogen storage disease.
Cornstarch, also known as cornflour, is a fine, powdery substance derived from the endosperm of corn kernels.
CAS Number: 68412-29-3
Molecular Formula: (C6H10O5)n
EINECS Number: 232-679-6
Kaolin; starch, corn; zinc oxide, Active Corn Starch, Active Corn Starch, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin, Medicated Cornstarch Baby Powder, Gold Bond Baby Cornstarch Plus, KAOLIN / ZINC OXIDE / STARCH, CORN, KAOLIN/ZINC OXIDE/STARCH, CORN, KAOLIN;ZINC OXIDE;STARCH, CORN, STARCH, CORN / KAOLIN / ZINC OXIDE, STARCH, CORN / ZINC OXIDE / KAOLIN, STARCH, CORN/KAOLIN/ZINC OXIDE, STARCH, CORN/ZINC OXIDE/KAOLIN, STARCH, CORN;KAOLIN;ZINC OXIDE, STARCH, CORN;ZINC OXIDE;KAOLIN, cornstarch and kaolin and zinc oxide.
Cornflour, Cornstarch, maize starch, or corn starch (American English) is the starch derived from corn (maize) grain.
The starch is obtained from the endosperm of the kernel.
Cornstarch is a common food ingredient, often used to thicken sauces or soups, and to make corn syrup and other sugars.
Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
Cornstarch has a neutral flavor and is often chosen over other thickeners because it imparts a glossy appearance to sauces and fillings.
In culinary applications, cornstarch is used to thicken soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts.
Cornstarch is particularly useful in recipes where a clear or translucent thickening is desired, as opposed to the cloudier result that some other thickeners might produce.
Cornstarch is widely used in textile, oil drilling, feed and food industries, especially the international and domestic market opening of food, the high precision of potato starch surge in demand, and potato starch have other irreplaceable natural attribute, makes it the preferred products, starch processing industry at home and abroad have a broad market, the market prospects look good.
Cornstarch, with the chemical formula C6H10O5, has the CAS number 68412-29-3.
Cornstarch is a modified form of starch that has been treated with acid to alter its properties.
Acid modified starch appears as a white powder with no distinct odor.
Cornstarch is basic structure is similar to that of regular starch, consisting of glucose units linked together.
Cornstarch is soluble in water, forming a viscous solution.
Acid modified starch is generally considered safe for use in food and other applications, but it is important to follow proper handling and storage procedures to avoid any potential hazards.
Cornstarch is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles when handling this chemical.
Cornstarch is a widely utilized biomedical excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, exhibiting remarkable functionalities as a binder and disintegrant.
Leveraging its inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, Cornstarch of nature finds extensive application in diverse drug delivery systems.
Cornstarch is primarily composed of starch, a complex carbohydrate.
Cornstarch is extracted from the endosperm of corn kernels, which is the central, starchy part of the corn.
When cornstarch is mixed with a liquid and heated, it forms a gel-like consistency, thickening the mixture.
This makes Cornstarch a common ingredient in recipes where a smooth and clear thickening is desired, such as in fruit pie fillings or custards.
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making it a popular choice for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease who need to avoid wheat-based thickeners like flour.
Cornstarch should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping.
Cornstarch's essential to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its powdery texture.
Cornstarch is a patented controlled release system used to extend the benefits of fragrances and release fragrance when activated with moisture.
The microspheres are composed of a proprietary blend of synthetic and natural water-sensitive polymers and oligomers.
The unique composition of Cornstarch provides the ability to seal and retain very volatile materials, such as aroma chemicals and fragrances, until needed and release them.
Cornstarch offers a high retention of volatile ingredients, protection of aroma against oxidation, moisture triggered, easy incorporation, and different particle sizes.
Cornstarch is recommended for foot care, deodorants, antiperspirants, dry shampoo, aerosols, body powder, and aroma therapy tablets.
Like many products in dust form, it can be hazardous in large quantities due to its flammability—see dust explosion.
When mixed with a fluid, Cornstarch can rearrange itself into a non-Newtonian fluid.
For example, adding water transforms Cornstarch into a material commonly known as oobleck while adding oil transforms corn starch into an electrorheological (ER) fluid.
The concept can be explained through the mixture termed "cornflour slime".
Cornstarch is a staple of any well-stocked pantry.
Cornstarch is a fine, flour-like powder made from the starchy endosperm of dried corn kernels.
The endosperm is the part of a seed that sits underneath the bran and acts as a food store for the germ, which is the part that eventually grows into a new plant.
Because cornstarch is made from the endosperm only, it contains no protein, and despite being made from corn, is actually gluten-free.
One of the notable characteristics of cornstarch is its ability to create clear and translucent sauces.
This makes it a preferred choice in recipes where a glossy finish is desired, such as in fruit glazes or pie fillings.
Unlike some thickeners that require heat to activate, cornstarch can be dissolved in cold water before being added to a hot liquid.
This is particularly useful in recipes where a smooth consistency is important.
When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, it's important to create a slurry by mixing it with a small amount of liquid before incorporating it into the main mixture.
This helps prevent the formation of lumps.
Cornstarch has a neutral taste, which means it doesn't significantly alter the flavor of the dishes it's used in.
This makes it versatile for both sweet and savory recipes.
Many brands offer non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) and organic versions of cornstarch for those who prefer products made from non-genetically modified corn or produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Cornstarch is commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese cooking, to create a velvety texture in stir-fried meats and vegetables.
This involves coating the ingredients in a mixture of cornstarch and water before cooking.
Cornstarch is sometimes used as a natural alternative to talcum powder.
Cornstarch is fine texture and absorbent properties make it suitable for use as a body powder to help absorb moisture and reduce friction.
Due to its absorbent nature, cornstarch can be used as a component in homemade cleaning solutions.
Cornstarch's often added to mixtures for polishing furniture or cleaning carpets.
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in homemade playdough recipes.
Cornstarch is soft and moldable texture, when combined with other ingredients, creates a fun and pliable material for children's crafts.
Cornstarch has properties enabling supply of glucose to maintain blood sugar levels for people with glycogen storage disease.
Cornstarch can be used starting at age 6–12 months allowing glucose fluctuations to be deterred.
The corn is steeped for 30 to 48 hours, which ferments it slightly.
The germ is separated from the endosperm and those two components are ground separately (still soaked).
Next the starch is removed from each by washing.
Cornstarch is separated from the corn steep liquor, the cereal germ, the fibers and the corn gluten mostly in hydrocyclones and centrifuges, and then dried.
This process is called wet milling.
Finally, Cornstarch may be modified for specific purposes.
Cornstarch, sometimes referred to as cornflour, is a carbohydrate extracted from the endosperm of corn.
This white powdery substance is used for many culinary, household, and industrial purposes.
Cornstarch was developed in 1844 in New Jersey and is produced today in corn-growing countries including the United States, China, Brazil, and India.
In the kitchen, cornstarch is most often used as a thickening agent for marinades, sauces, gravies, glazes, soups, casseroles, pies, and other desserts.
Cornstarch's found in cuisines throughout the world, with North America and Asia leading both production and use.
Melting point: 256-258 °C (dec.)(lit.)
Density: 1.005 g/mL at 25 °C
solubility: H2O: 20 mg/mL, colorless, clear to slightly turbid
form: Liquid
color: clear to slightly hazy
Cornstarch is modified from natural starch. Under certain temperature and moisture, the chemical bond between molecules is broken and molecule structure changed.
Starch derivative is achieved through further drying and grinding.
Cornstarch swells and dissolves in cold water and forms paste liquid of certain concentration, which absorbs water, condenses and deposits less, and easily applied.
Cornstarch is non-toxic, pollution-free, degradable and environment-friendly.
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in liquid-based foods (e.g., soup, sauces, gravies, custard), usually by mixing it with a lower-temperature liquid to form a paste or slurry.
Cornstarch is sometimes preferred over flour alone because it forms a translucent, rather than opaque mixture.
As the starch is heated over 203 °F (95 °C), the molecular chains unravel, allowing them to collide with other starch chains to form a mesh, thickening the liquid (Starch gelatinization).
However, continued boiling breaks up the molecules and thins the liquid.
Cornstarch is usually included as an anticaking agent in powdered sugar (icing or confectioner's sugar).
A common substitute is arrowroot starch, which replaces the same amount of corn starch.
Food producers reduce production costs by adding varying amounts of corn starch to foods, for example to cheese and yogurt.
Chicken nuggets with a thin outer layer of Cornstarch allows increased oil absorption and crispness after the latter stages of frying.
Baby powder may include corn starch among its ingredients.
Cornstarch can be used to manufacture bioplastics (like PLA used for 3D printing) and may be used in the manufacture of airbags.
Adhesive can be made from Cornstarch, traditionally one of the adhesives that may be used to make paste papers.
Cornstarch dries with a slight sheen compared to wheat starch.
Cornstarch may also be used as an adhesive in book and paper conservation.
Cornstarch is the preferred anti-stick agent on medical products made from natural latex, including condoms, diaphragms, and medical gloves.
Cornstarch can be used to make a simple and fun non-Newtonian fluid known as "cornstarch slime" or "oobleck."
When mixed with water, Cornstarch creates a substance that behaves like a liquid when poured but hardens when pressure is applied.
In some cultures, cornstarch is used as a natural alternative to dry shampoo.
Cornstarch can be applied to the roots of the hair to absorb excess oil and refresh the scalp between washes.
In traditional medicine, cornstarch has been used for various purposes, including as a soothing agent for skin irritations and rashes.
Cornstarch is sometimes applied as a dusting powder to alleviate chafing.
Cornstarch can be used in various art and craft projects.
Cornstarch is often used in making papier-mâché paste, creating a smooth finish when mixed with water and glue.
In some firefighting situations, cornstarch has been used as a flame retardant.
When dispersed in the air, it can create a cloud that suppresses flames.
Cornstarch is used in the production of biodegradable plastics.
These plastics are often utilized for packaging materials and disposable items as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.
In certain professions, cornstarch is used as a dusting agent for latex gloves, making them easier to put on and remove.
While cornstarch is commonly used in Western cuisines, it's worth noting that other starches like tapioca starch, potato starch, and arrowroot are also widely used in various culinary traditions around the world.
Chefs and food enthusiasts interested in molecular gastronomy may use cornstarch in innovative ways, such as creating edible films, gels, or foams.
Cornstarch can be used to help soothe and dry a dog's paws.
Cornstarch's often used as a powder to absorb excess moisture and provide relief from irritation.
Biodegradable packing peanuts can be made from cornstarch.
These are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packing materials.
History Of Cornstarch:
Until 1851, Cornstarch was used primarily for starching laundry and for other industrial uses.
A method to produce pure culinary starch from maize was patented by John Polson of Brown & Polson, in Paisley, Scotland in 1854.
Brown & Polson were muslin manufacturers who had been producing laundry starch for the Paisley shawl industry and would become the largest starch producers in the UK.
Uses Of Cornstarch:
Acid modified Cornstarch can be used as excipient.
Amylum is an ordinary Cornstarch, that occurs in all green plants.
Cornstarch is a molecule of starch, built out of a large number of a-glucose rings joined by oxygen atoms, and is a major energy source for animals.
Cornstarch can be used as raw material for sheet jelly, fried nice noodles, quick-frozen dumpling, biscuit, instant noodles, ham sausage and ice-cream.
Moreover, Cornstarch can also be used in starch sugar, amino acid, alcohol, antibiotics, etc.
Although mostly used for cooking and as a household item, Cornstarch is used for many purposes in several industries, ranging from its use as a chemical additive for certain products, to medical therapy for certain illnesses.
Cornstarch is popularly used as a thickener for sauces, gravies, stews, pie fillings and puddings.
This works thanks to a process called starch gelatinisation, where the heat from the dish causes the molecular chains that make up the cornstarch to form a mesh.
Cornstarch is clear and flavourless, so it won’t make the dish go cloudy or alter the balance of flavours.
Cornstarch is often used to thicken savory and sweet sauces, gravies, and soups.
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in baking, used in recipes for cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
Cornstarch is sometimes used as a coating for frying, providing a crisp and golden texture to fried foods.
In addition to its culinary uses, cornstarch has industrial applications.
Cornstarch is used in the production of biodegradable plastics, as a binder in the manufacture of tablets and pills in the pharmaceutical industry, and in the textile industry for starching fabrics.
Cornstarch can be used in first aid for minor burns.
Sprinkling a bit of cornstarch inside shoes can help absorb moisture and reduce unpleasant odors.
Cornstarch can be added to a homemade window cleaning solution to help achieve a streak-free shine on glass surfaces.
A paste made from cornstarch and water can be used as a gentle silver polish to remove tarnish.
Cornstarch can be applied to grease stains on fabric to help absorb the oil before laundering.
Cornstarch is sometimes used to powder latex or nitrile gloves to make them easier to put on and remove.
Cornstarch can be mixed with water to create a paste that may be used as a natural insect repellent when applied to the skin.
When used as part of a coating mixture, cornstarch can contribute to a crispy texture for fried foods like chicken or tempura.
Some homemade deodorant recipes include cornstarch as an ingredient due to its ability to absorb moisture.
Cornstarch can be used to remove chewing gum from hair, fabric, or carpets. It helps to absorb the stickiness.
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in paper mache paste, which is used in various arts and crafts projects.
Cornstarch can be used as a natural, dust-free alternative to talcum powder for coating the interior of latex balloons to prevent sticking.
Cornstarch can be used in some DIY recipes for therapeutic hand putty, providing a moldable and sensory material.
In vegan or egg-free recipes, cornstarch mixed with water can be used as a thickening agent or egg substitute.
Cornstarch can be sprinkled on spills on carpets to help absorb liquid and make cleaning easier.
Cornstarch is widely used in the kitchen as a thickening agent for soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts.
Cornstarch is also a common ingredient in baking, providing structure and texture to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
Cornstarch is preferred in recipes where a clear or translucent appearance is desired, such as in fruit pie fillings and glazes.
Cornstarch is commonly used in Asian cooking, particularly in Chinese cuisine, to coat meats before stir-frying. This gives the meat a velvety texture.
Cornstarch mixed with water creates a non-Newtonian fluid known as oobleck.
Cornstarch behaves like a liquid when poured but becomes solid under pressure.
As a gluten-free ingredient, cornstarch is used in gluten-free recipes as a substitute for wheat-based thickeners like flour.
Cornstarch is a key ingredient in homemade playdough, providing a soft and moldable texture for children's arts and crafts.
Cornstarch can be used as a component in DIY cleaning solutions for polishing furniture, cleaning carpets, and absorbing spills.
Cornstarch can be applied to the roots of the hair as a natural alternative to absorb excess oil, functioning as a dry shampoo.
Cornstarch is used in the production of biodegradable plastics, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
In certain firefighting situations, cornstarch has been used as a flame retardant, creating a cloud that suppresses flames.
In traditional medicine, cornstarch has been used for various purposes, including as a soothing agent for skin irritations and rashes.
Cornstarch is used to soothe and dry a dog's paws, providing relief from moisture and irritation.
Cornstarch is used in various art and craft projects, including making papier-mâché paste and creating smooth finishes in certain art applications.
Cornstarch has been used as a dusting powder in certain medicinal applications to alleviate chafing and soothe irritated skin.
In the realm of molecular gastronomy, chefs use cornstarch in innovative ways to create edible films, gels, and foams.
Safety Profile Of Cornstarch:
Cornstarch powder can become airborne easily, especially when handling large quantities.
Inhaling the powder may cause respiratory irritation or discomfort.
Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma may be more sensitive.
In rare cases, large amounts of cornstarch dust in the air can be combustible.
Combustion can occur if the dust encounters an ignition source, leading to a flash fire.
However, this is an uncommon hazard and typically occurs in industrial settings with specific conditions.
While cornstarch allergies are rare, some individuals may be allergic to corn or have sensitivity to corn-derived products.
Cornstarch's essential to be aware of any potential allergies before using cornstarch in personal care products or in food preparation.
