Cornstarch
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2008-07-07T04:55:24Z
Capmo
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[[Image:Constarch-products.jpg|thumb|250px|Products treated with cornstarch]]
'''Cornstarch''', or '''cornflour''', is the [[starch]] of the [[maize]] grain, commonly known as [[corn]]. It is also grown from the [[endosperm]], or white heart, of the corn [[seed|kernel]]. It has a distinctive appearance and feel when mixed raw with [[water]] or [[milk]], giving easily to gentle pressure but resisting sudden pressure (see [[Non-Newtonian fluid]]). It is usually included as an anti-caking agent in powdered [[sugar]] (10X or [[confectioner's sugar]]). For this reason, recipes calling for powdered sugar often call for at least light cooking to remove the raw cornstarch taste.
The composition of cornstarch varies depending upon the feedstock, but it may be considered to be approximately 25% [[amylose]] and 75% [[amylopectin]].<ref>[http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070129085614AAUKhdK Yahoo! Answers - What is the chemical composition of Cornstarch?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Uses==
Cornstarch is often used as a [[Binder (material)|binder]] in [[pudding]]s and similar foods. Most of the packaged pudding mixes available in grocery stores include cornstarch. Cornstarch puddings can be made at home easily by using a [[double boiler]]. The most basic such pudding is made from milk, sugar, cornstarch and a flavoring agent.
Cornstarch can be used as a thickener in many recipes. Because cornstarch tends to form lumps when mixed with warm or hot water, it is best dissolved in cold water. It is also found in many [[gluten-free]] recipes.
Cornstarch also has many uses in the manufacturing of environmentally friendly products. For example, in 2004, the Japanese company [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]] announced a [[biodegradable]] [[Blu-Ray]] disc made out of cornstarch. <ref>[http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=14322 Pioneer Makes Blu-Ray Discs from Cornstarch<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The use for the plastic is vast, as it is a renewable plastic that has the benefits of being [[biodegradable]], used in [[injection molding]], in [[extrusion|extruders]], and other common milling processes. <ref>http://www.japan-cornstarch.com/hh_13.htm</ref>
Cornstarch has been used as a replacement for [[talc]] in [[baby powder]].
A mixture of 1 part water to 1.5–2 parts cornstarch is a popular classroom demonstration of a [[dilatant]] (shear-thickening) fluid, often called [[Oobleck]]. When struck, cut with a knife, or worked vigorously in the hands, it behaves like a pliable solid, but if allowed to sit for a few seconds, it flows as a viscous liquid. It can also be used for making highly flammable and explosive jellies.
==Manufacture==
The corn is steeped for 30 to 48 hours, which ferments it a little. The [[cereal germ|germ]] is separated from the [[endosperm]] and those two components are ground separately (still soaked). Next the starch is removed from each by washing. It is separated from the [[gluten]] and other substances, mostly in [[hydrocyclone]]s and [[centrifuge]]s, and dried. (The residue from every stage is used in [[fodder|animal feed]] and other products.) Finally the starch may be [[modified starch|modified]] for specific purposes.<ref>[http://www.starch.dk/isi/starch/tm18www-corn.htm ]</ref>
==Other==
[[Amylophagia]] is a condition involving the compulsive consumption of excessive amounts of purified starch, often cornstarch.<ref>[http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/7/649 Arch Fam Med - Amylophagia Presenting as Gestational Diabetes, July 2000, Jackson and Martin 9 (7): 649<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Other names and varieties==
* Called cornflour in [[New Zealand]], [[Australia]] and the [[United Kingdom|UK]].
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Edible thickening agents]]
[[Category:Maize]]
[[de:Stärke#Maisstärke (lat.: Amylum Maydis)]]
[[es:Maicena]]
[[fr:Maïzena]]
[[nl:Maïzena]]
[[pt:Maisena]]
[[zh:玉米粉]]