There are many different types of maize products available. It might be tough to tell them apart at times.

This article compares and contrasts cornmeal with corn flour.

The Difference Between Cornmeal vs Corn Flour

Milling dry corn yields both cornmeal and corn flour. The fundamental distinction between the two is texture: cornmeal is rougher than corn flour.

Because they both contain the same component, you may occasionally use them interchangeably in a recipe, which can be helpful or confusing. As a result, studying them independently makes it simpler to comprehend how they are two unique elements.

Comparison between Oat Bran and Wheat Bran

What is Cornmeal?

Cornmeal is just finely powdered dry corn. It has a medium to gritty texture. Cornmeal comes in three varieties that are widely found in grocery stores:

• Yellow cornmeal
• White cornmeal
• Blue cornmeal

The flavor of cornmeal does not alter considerably. However, recipes often mention just one kind. Polenta, for example, is often prepared from yellow cornmeal, while grits are typically produced from white cornmeal.

while it comes to grits and polenta, you could be perplexed while looking for cornmeal at the grocery store. Cornmeal cartons are often labeled with either grits or polenta.

Just keep in mind that grits and polenta are foods cooked with cornmeal, and cornmeal is a component in both. Boxes of grits and polenta may include additional additives at times. Sometimes they’ll only say they have the right texture for cooking certain foods. Check the ingredients section on the packaging for any additions if you’re uncertain.

What is Corn Flour?

Corn flour is a whole grain flour made from ground dry corn. It has three maize components: endosperm, germ, and hull. Corn flour is typically yellow, although white and blue varieties are also available.

Corn flour is also known as finely ground cornmeal by some individuals, which adds to the confusion. Keep in mind that finely ground cornmeal is just another term for corn flour.

Corn flour and corn starch are another typical combination. Corn flour is identical with corn starch in the United Kingdom. Corn starch, on the other hand, is separate from corn flour in the United States. Corn starch, unlike corn flour, removes just the starch from the maize kernel.

So, while following a recipe, make sure to verify the dish’s nation. Check how much of the component is required if it is uncertain.

Because maize starch is a thickening, most recipes only call for a tiny quantity. Because maize flour is often used as a basis, recipes typically ask for a bigger amount.

Cant find corn flour? See corn flour substitutes.

When to Use Cornmeal and Corn Flour

Cornmeal and corn flour provide distinct advantages to a recipe. You may improve your dish by learning how to utilize each one correctly.

Common Uses for Cornmeal

Cornmeal is often soaked and cooked slowly to form grits or polenta. You may also make cornbread, muffins, and fried crusts with it. Cornmeal may give a dish extra texture and crunch. Cornmeal-based baked products and sweets will likewise break apart quickly. They’re also a little crumblier.

Because cornmeal comes in a variety of grinds ranging from medium to coarse (or rough), it’s crucial to know the one you need. The coarsest cornmeal has the strongest taste and takes the longest to cook. It’s a frequent breading and frying ingredient.

Medium-ground cornmeal is the most often used kind. It’s often used in porridge and cornbread dishes. If a recipe does not specify which grind to use, use medium-ground cornmeal. Recipes that call for coarse cornmeal will usually mention it.

Common Uses for Corn Flour

Corn flour is often used in pancake and waffle batters, bread, and cakes. Corn flour batters often have thin and crunchy crusts. Baked items will be more intact since corn flour binds more readily than cornmeal.

Make sure you don’t mix up maize flour and masa harina. Masa harina, another form of maize flour, is a popular component in Mexican cooking. Masa harina maize kernels, on the other hand, must be steeped in limewater before grinding. As a result, it is a different component from maize flour.

Using Cornmeal and Corn Flour Interchangeably

Cornmeal and corn flour may be used interchangeably. There won’t be much of a change in taste. The texture, on the other hand, will noticeably shift.

Because corn flour is finer, the texture will be smoother. As a result, using corn flour particularly making cornbread is not recommended. Cornbread has a characteristic crunch and crumbly texture, hence cornmeal is used.

You should also avoid using corn flour in porridges. There would be no texture and nothing but smooth goop.

Try making fry batters using cornmeal and corn flour if you want to try something new. Corn flour batters are thin and crispy, but cornmeal batters are thick and crunchy. If you want to get a more balanced texture, consider combining cornmeal and corn flour in your batter.

You may also try making cakes and bread. Cornmeal makes baked items thick and delicate, but corn flour makes them fluffier. Just keep in mind that the dimensions may need to be adjusted. Because corn flour is lighter, you may need to use more in a recipe.

Related: Potato Starch vs Potato Flour

Conclusion

The only distinction between cornmeal and corn flour is texture. This little adjustment, though, may make a major difference in the texture of your food.

Now that you understand the difference between cornmeal and corn flour, you may experiment with different versions of the same cuisine. Enjoy the trip as you experiment with cornmeal and corn flour.