tbs cornstarch

Cornstarch, also known as maize starch or corn flour, is a refined carbohydrate extracted from the endosperm of corn (Zea mays) kernels. Produced by wet-milling corn kernels to isolate the starch, cornstarch is a fine, powdery white substance with a neutral flavor and smooth texture. It is chemically a polysaccharide composed primarily of amylose and amylopectin molecules, which readily absorb liquid and gelatinize under heat, making it an exceptional thickening agent in cooking and baking.

Cornstarch is widely used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, soups, and puddings across numerous cuisines, particularly in Asian cooking (Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese). It creates a glossy, translucent finish when heated with liquid and is preferred over flour in situations requiring clarity and a lighter mouthfeel. In baking, cornstarch is combined with wheat flour to reduce gluten development, producing tender cakes, pastries, and shortbread. It is also used as a coating for fried foods and in dusting applications to prevent sticking.