Cornstarch is an ingredient used in the kitchen where it can be found as a thickener or as cooking flour. It comes from corn, so there are many different types of cornstarch you might come across. However, one thing to remember about all kinds of starch is that they become rancid over time and have been known to mold.
Cornstarch can go bad, but it is hard to tell when this has happened. If you use expired cornstarch, the powder will be dry and clumpy.
Cornstarch isn’t used all that often. Even if you use it in all of your sauces and numerous soups, it’s still not very frequently, isn’t it?
And sooner or later, you’ll realize that the container has past the expiration date on the label. That’s when you have to question yourself, “Can I use cornstarch after it’s expired?” Is it better to toss it and purchase a new container?
Or maybe you’re perplexed by the plethora of “corn” items on the market. And you’re curious about the differences between corn flour, cornmeal, and cornstarch.
Many people get them mixed up because they appear so similar. In rare circumstances, using one instead of the other in a dish might result in tragedy. At the very least, a less-than-ideal supper.
Anyway, I’ll discuss the shelf life and deterioration of this thickening agent further down. In case you need a reminder, I have included a section on the distinctions between the corn products.
What Happens If Cornstarch Goes Bad, and How Can You Tell If It’s Bad?
Cornstarch may be used in recipes for an extended period of time ([AS]). It does not lose its power over time, unlike baking powder.
In other words, the answer to the question of whether cornstarch (or corn starch) loses its efficacy is no. This also indicates that “expired” cornstarch is OK.
After a few of months passed the best-by date on the label, you can notice that the powder’s quality has deteriorated. However, after it has been mixed with the liquid, the change will be minimal.
Cornstarch, on the other hand, does not have an endless shelf life. If moisture enters the container, it will mold in a matter of days. So you should get rid of any damp or moldy corn starch immediately once. If you detect any pantry bugs within the package, the same thing applies.
To summarize, if you want the cornstarch to last a long time, you must take proper care of it.
What Is The Best Way To Keep Corn Starch?
Cornstarch, like other dust-like items like flour or powdered sugar, doesn’t need a lot of storage space. Simply store the product in a dry location and ensure that it is well sealed when not in use ([AS]).
Many companies offer cornstarch in resealable containers, which are perfect for storing it for lengthy periods of time. But don’t worry if yours didn’t arrive in one. Put the starch in an airtight container and you’re all set.
Refrigerating cornstarch, in case you were wondering, doesn’t help much. You may, however, keep the powder in the fridge if that is your inclination.
If you do this, ensure sure the container is well shut. If not, the powder will absorb moisture from the air in the fridge and degrade quickly.
Generally speaking, the ideal storage areas are a dark closet in the kitchen or a pantry.
a corn starch bowl
What Is The Difference Between Cornstarch, Corn Flour, and Cornmeal?
There are a lot of items out there that have the word “corn” in their name. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find it really perplexing. This brief primer should provide you with the necessary knowledge to determine which is which.
Corn flour and cornmeal are both made from ground maize. The difference between cornmeal and corn flour is that cornmeal is coarsely crushed whereas corn flour is finely ground ([WIKI1]). Cornmeal can be turned into corn flour, but not the other way around. Both have a maize taste to them.
Cornstarch is a product manufactured from maize starch ([WIKI2]). So it’s not the complete grain that’s in the endosperm, but merely the starch. It has no flavor and is mostly used to thicken soups, sauces, and gravies.
I hope this has clarified things for you.
Corn starch and kernels in a bowl
Summary
- Store in a dry, airtight container.
- Because it lasts forever, you may utilize “expired” cornstarch.
- Cornstarch is solely the starch extracted from the grain, while cornmeal and corn flour are complete corn grain crushed.
References
Cornstarch is a powder made from corn that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. Cornstarch can be kept for long periods of time if it is stored in an airtight container. Reference: can cornstarch kill you.
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