what is cornstarch

Cornstarch, sometimes referred to as cornflour, is a white powdery substance extracted from the endosperm of corn. It is a carbohydrate and is used for many culinary, household, and industrial purposes. Cornstarch is a gluten-free product and is an excellent alternative to flour thickeners in gravy and sauce recipes. It is most often used as a thickening agent for marinades, sauces, gravies, glazes, soups, casseroles, pies, and other desserts. Cornstarch is also used in the production of corn syrup and other sugars. In addition to its culinary uses, cornstarch has many household uses, such as soothing skin irritation, creating a matte nail polish, and making milk baths. Cornstarch is essentially all carbohydrate and does not contain any protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It contains approximately 7 grams of carbohydrate and 30 calories per tablespoon. Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in liquid-based foods, usually by mixing it with a lower-temperature liquid to form a paste or slurry. It is sometimes preferred over flour alone because it forms a translucent, rather than opaque mixture. Cornstarch is also used as an anticaking agent in powdered sugar. The best substitute for cornstarch is potato starch, which has a similar texture and neutral flavor.