Corn flour, a culinary gem: 6 things to know before using – Mytour

If you're a regular follower of articles on cooking, baking, or handy tips, chances are you've come across the term corn flour. This is one of the popular cake flours in Vietnam. So, what is corn flour? What are the ingredients and the process of making corn flour? What delicious treats can you make with corn flour? Let's find out with Mytour right away

1. What is Corn Flour? 

Corn flour, also known as maize flour, is a type of flour made from dried corn kernels. When corn flour is dissolved in hot water, it creates a good binding texture. Therefore, people often use corn flour in making sweet soups, stews, sauces, and more. Additionally, corn flour is an essential ingredient in some dessert and ice cream recipes to enhance the richness of the treat.

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2. Homemade Corn Flour Production Process

What is corn flour, with a relatively complex industrial production process involving many stages such as soaking, grinding, separating, filtering, drying, centrifuging, fermentation, etc. However, you can produce it at home using the following processing method.

Step 1: Soak the dried corn kernels in water mixed with lime powder and let it soak overnight.

Step 2: Rinse the corn kernels several times with clean water and then scoop them out to drain.

Step 3: Put the corn kernels in a grinding stone along with clean water to create a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Use a clean cloth to filter out the pulp and corn husks. Let the mixture settle overnight for the flour to settle at the bottom. Then strain out the excess water. Put the obtained flour into a tightly tied cloth bag. Place a heavy object on the bag to press and extract the flour overnight.

Step 5: Place the condensed flour on a clean tray, expose it to sunlight until the flour dries. Grind the corn flour finely using a mortar, then store it in a clean jar for gradual use.

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3. Composition and Uses of Corn Flour

Corn flour boasts a high versatility, rivaling rice flour, glutinous rice flour, and wheat flour. So, what are the uses of corn flour? What compounds make up corn flour? Join Mytour in exploring these right away!

Composition

Here are the nutritional components found in 1/4 cup of industrially produced organic corn flour:

• 22.5 grams Carbohydrates
• 105 Calories
• 1 gram Fat
• 2 grams Fiber
• 0.7 milligrams Iron

Furthermore, corn flour also contains small amounts of the following compounds:

• Antioxidant – Polyphenol
• Insoluble Fiber – Lignin
• Amylose
• Hemicellulose
• Lipid
• Some minerals: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B6

Corn flour contains numerous health-friendly components and supports smooth digestive system functioning. However, some types of corn flour are produced from genetically modified corn varieties. Therefore, it's advisable not to overuse corn flour in your family's daily meals.

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Uses of Corn Flour in Culinary Arts

As mentioned earlier, corn flour's high binding ability makes it primarily used for thickening sauces and various desserts. Corn flour only takes shape when added to hot water, so it's best added in the final step after the dish is fully cooked. To prevent clumping, dissolve corn flour in cold water before adding it to the food. For some recipes requiring a sticky texture, corn flour is directly mixed into the dough mixture.

Corn flour is also used in coffee production, typically at a ratio of around 10%, to create a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of this unique beverage. Additionally, corn flour serves as a supplementary ingredient in baking, cookies, alcohol production, sweeteners, and more.

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Other Uses of Corn Flour

• Corn flour has the ability to clean stubborn blood stains on fabric. Mix corn flour with a little clean water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the bloodstain on the fabric surface. Leave it for 1-2 hours, then brush it several times.
• If you often wear shoes or socks, you can sprinkle some corn flour inside the socks or shoes. Corn flour effectively absorbs moisture and eliminates odors.
• Sprinkle corn flour on books to eliminate musty odors caused by dampness.
• Brighten and remove stains on wooden furniture surfaces by rubbing a diluted mixture of corn flour.
• Apply a diluted mixture of corn flour on the skin to soothe insect bites and redness.
• Sprinkle corn flour in the bath and soak to relax and soothe sunburned skin.

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4. Distinguishing Corn Flour from Wheat Flour, Tapioca Flour

Corn Flour vs. Wheat Flour

Depending on the raw material, whether corn kernels or glutinous corn, corn flour will have a pale yellow color (corn kernels) or white color (glutinous corn). Corn flour has a fine texture, becomes sticky when dissolved in hot water. On the other hand, wheat flour is made from wheat kernels, so the flour is fine, airy, and has a slight ability to expand. When dissolved in water, it does not create stickiness and is often used in the production of bread, sponge cakes, and various sweet pastries.

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Corn Flour vs. Tapioca Flour

Tapioca flour, also known as cassava flour (Northern region) or filtered flour (Central region), is a type of flour made from cassava roots. Tapioca flour is typically white, coarse, and less fine. Similar to corn flour, when tapioca flour is dissolved in water, it forms a sticky and adhesive mixture. Due to its similar properties, tapioca flour can be used as a substitute for corn flour in some recipes for chicken soup, mushroom soup, and various sauces.

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5. What Delicious Treats Can You Make with Corn Flour?

What is corn flour, and what delicious treats can you make with it? Here are 6 types of desserts you can explore and easily make at home.

Durian Cupcakes

These fragrant and delicious durian cupcakes are highly favored, perfect for home parties or picnics. The ingredients for making durian cupcakes are simple, including whole milk, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, corn flour, and durian flesh.

After completing the preparation steps, place the batter in the mold and bake for about 20-30 minutes. Once the cake has cooled, add a layer of fresh cream on the surface, and it's done.

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Crispy Fried Fresh Milk Cake

The ingredients for making crispy fried fresh milk cake include all-purpose flour, tempura flour, fresh milk, sugar, cooking oil, filtered water, and corn flour. The essence of this dish lies in the milk filling. To shape the filling, mix fresh milk with white sugar and corn flour in a bowl, then stir well.

Pour the mixture into molds and place them in the freezer to chill and set. Next, cut the milk dough into bite-sized squares, roll through a mixture of all-purpose and tempura flour, then deep-fry until golden brown. The result is a delectable crispy fried fresh milk cake with a rich and melty filling, truly irresistible.

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Corn Flour Fried Cakes

Similar to crispy fried fresh milk cakes, for this treat, simply replace fresh milk with finely ground corn milk. Execute the remaining steps in a similar manner. Corn flour fried cakes, enveloping a rich and creamy filling, will become a favorite snack for the whole family.

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Lemon Cakes

Lemon cakes, tender and moist. The layer of tangy-sweet lemon dough with a beautiful mossy green color. The main ingredient for this treat is corn flour. A portion of the flour is dissolved with a mixture of melted butter and baked at a moderate temperature for even cooking while maintaining a fluffy texture.

The remaining flour is mixed thoroughly with egg yolks, lemon juice, white sugar, and finely grated lemon zest. Spread the mixture over the cake surface and bake for an additional 30 minutes to complete. Note: Avoid using too much lemon zest to prevent bitterness in the cake.

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Corn Muffins

What is corn flour? Corn flour is combined with number 8 wheat flour, white sugar, honey, and chicken eggs to make corn muffins. To enhance the flavor, you can add some delicious American corn kernels. If you want the muffins to be richer, you can spread a little fresh cream or fruit jam on the surface.

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Fresh Orange Cake

Not only a refreshing summer snack, but fresh orange cake also contains a high amount of vitamin C, boosting immunity. You only need ingredients such as corn flour, tapioca flour, sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, unsalted butter, and dried coconut rice.

After mixing the various flours and sugar together, add the orange juice and unsalted butter. Pour the mixture into a pot, heat it on the stove, stirring until the dough turns yellow, translucent, and sticky. Pour the cake onto a tray to cool, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle more dried coconut rice on top, and it's complete.

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6. Tips for Using and Storing Corn Flour

• Corn flour has low nutritional content, so combine it with other foods to ensure a balanced diet.
• Corn flour and tapioca flour have similar properties, making them interchangeable in some specific recipes.
• Limit the use of genetically modified corn flour for better health.
• Store corn flour in a clean, airtight glass jar, in a dry place to prevent moisture, mold, or pests.

Mytour has provided detailed answers to what corn flour is and what delicious cakes you can make with it. Hope you'll discover many tasty recipes using this type of flour.