Maizena, commonly known as cornstarch, is a versatile ingredient derived from the endosperm of corn kernels. It’s widely used in cooking and baking for its thickening properties and neutral flavor. In this article, we’ll explore how to make Maizena at home, delve into its nutritional facts, and discuss proper storage methods to maintain its quality.
How to Make Maizena (Cornstarch) at Home
It is incredibly easy to make cornstarch at home. All you need are some corn kernels and water. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Selecting the Corn: For a better result, it is recommended to buy mature non-GMO white or yellow corn only. Make sure that kernels are not contaminated by anyone and are processed without any physical barrier.
Soaking: Pour water over the corn kernels and put the corn in a large bowl. Boil them until they are soft, then allow them to soak for 8- 12 hours or preferably overnight. This makes their kernels less hard and, therefore, easier to process.
Blending: Pour out the water from the soaked corn and blend it in a blender. Pour some cup of fresh water into the kernels and blend with the aim of getting a paste like consistency and mixture that forms milk.
Straining: For the blended mixture, pass this through a fine mesh strainer or even a cheesecloth into a big bowl. This then separates the liquid starch from the solid corn pulp, which has to be done. Squeeze or press the pulp well to get as much liquid possible out of it.
Settling: Allow the strained liquid to stand still for a number of hours, best at room temperature. They do this so that during the stretching, the starch will sink and form a thick bottom layer.
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Draining: Spoon off the clear liquid on the top without stirring the settled starch. You might again and again continue to dilute it with water and later filter it in order to have a more purified starch.
Drying: Afterward you get your wet starch ready, then pour it on a clean tray or baking sheet and spread it evenly. After washing, let it dry in a warm, dry place that is out of the reach of the sun. However, a common and best way is to use a food dehydrator at a low temperature, for example, at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grinding: Still, sometimes, after the starch has dried well, it may agglomerate and form lumps. These are prepared by using a clean grinder or maybe a food processor in order to reduce the dried starch to a much finer powdery form.
Nutritional Facts of Maizena
Maizena is primarily composed of carbohydrates and provides minimal amounts of other nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per 1 tablespoon (approximately 9 grams):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
As obvious as it is, Maizena contains nothing more than high calories or carbohydrate matter, which is a source of energy and possesses 0% of fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One should, however, note that corn starch contains very few essential nutrients, though the commodity contains carbs, which provide energy. However, it should be taken sparingly and preferably avoided by anyone who is under blood sugar regulation because it will significantly boost sugar levels.
Proper Storage of Maizena
It is important that Maizena can be stored in order to retain the quality and shelf life of the product. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cornstarch remains fresh:
Airtight Containers: Maizena should also be transferred into air tight receptacles to avoid exposure to moisture and other contaminants. Mason jars with secure and air-tight lids or superior quality plastic containers should be used.
Cool, Dry Environment: It is very important to store the container in a cool and dry environment and away from sources of heat and light, including direct sunlight and high humidity. One of the best places to put a jar is on pantry shelves or in kitchen cabinets.
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Store Maizena in a dry place with a stable temperature because condensation within the container may cause the product to clog or become spoiled. Do not store it on ovens, stoves, or other heaters or appliances that generate heat; it’s also advisable to avoid any items that are wet.
Pest Prevention: The location for storage must be stringent and free from pests and other sectors like dust. Storing foods in air tight containers is also advantageous since it helps keep off insects.
No Need for Refrigeration: Cooling Maizena is not required because doing so can cause this product to be spoiled by moisture. It is best to store the box at room temperature for the best conditions.
Check for Freshness: Prior to each application, consider the cornstarch unsuitable for use if it has developed an unpleasant smell, has changed color, or has mold. All these, when observed, require the product to be discarded.
Uses of Maizena in Cooking and Baking
Maizena is a popular product that is used in different cuisines, both for cooking and for baking. It is also flavorless, which makes it perfect to mix with other ingredients that require a smooth and thicker base.
Thickening Agent: Maizena is best employed in the thickening of soups, sauces, gravies, and stews. Cornstarch mixed with cold water thickens soups or sauces, making them smoother and thicker.
Baking Essential: Desiccated coconut is used in cake, cookie, and pudding mix, which is employed to make the loaves, cookies, and puddings lighter in texture. In gluten-free cooking, it replaces flour when used in some of the recipes that require this product.
Coating for Frying: While used to thicken recipes, cornstarch forms a crisp skin when applied as a breading for foods being fried. It’s used for deep frying chicken, meat, fish, beans, and for making tempura batter.
Egg Substitute: In vegan recipe preparations, Maizena may be used to replace eggs. Cornstarch solution acts like a binder in recipes such as pancakes or muffins, where you use eggs to help the ingredients clump together.
Dairy-free creams are used to make dairy-like desserts, like almond milk pudding or custard, using cornstarch.
