Corn Starch — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Good quality corn starch is a fine, white powder without any clumps or a chalky texture. Check the packaging to ensure it is airtight and moisture-free, which is essential to maintain its thickening properties.

Avoid corn starch that feels gritty or has a musty smell, as this can indicate contamination or poor storage. Quality corn starch should dissolve smoothly in liquids and create a translucent mixture when cooked.

Corn starch should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard away from heat and moisture is ideal. Properly stored, corn starch can last indefinitely.

Exposure to moisture can cause corn starch to clump and lose effectiveness. Avoid storing it near the stove or in humid areas. Ensuring the container is sealed tightly helps maintain its powdery consistency and prevents contamination.

Corn starch can last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and effectiveness.

Leftover corn starch is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary applications. In the kitchen, corn starch is often used as a thickening agent for sauces, gravies, soups, and puddings. It’s also useful for creating a crispy coating on fried foods by mixing it with flour.

Beyond cooking, corn starch has several practical household uses. It can be used as a natural substitute for baby powder to keep skin dry and prevent irritation. Corn starch can also be used to remove grease stains from fabric by sprinkling it on the stain and letting it absorb the oil before washing. Additionally, corn starch can be used to make homemade play dough or mixed with water to create a non-Newtonian fluid that’s fun for kids to play with. Corn starch can also be used as a natural remedy to soothe sunburns or skin irritations when mixed with water to create a paste and applied to the skin.