Amongst many staple foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, wheat and rice, corn is one of the most versatile crops which is a favourite for American's. The staple food is those that are consumed as part of a daily diet and is used in bulk quantities. Most of the energy produced in the body is through the staple food we consume. History says that corn was first cultivated in Mexico about 7000 years ago which was a grass initially and has been bred to become the biggest crop for Americans today. Corn is not only used as a staple source of food, but it is also used for many products like whiskey, ethanol and cornsilk.
Let us find out some of the food products made out of corn and loved by the mass:
1. Cornmeal: Cornmeal is an edible food made by grinding whole corn. Grits is the coarsest form of corn ideally used for making the favourite breakfast cereals like Kellogg's corn flakes. A much finer form of corn that is corn powder is used for making cornflour, doughnuts, bread, pizza doughs and corn cones.
2. Starch: The endosperm of corn which essentially nourishes the new plant is used to make cornstarch. Cornstarch is utilised for various purposes ideally as thickening agents in soups like sweetcorn soup and other liquid dishes. With the concern for keeping the environment free of plastics, cornstarch is also used for making biodegradable plastics.
3. Sugar: Most widely used corn syrup is made from cornstarch though corn syrup has high fructose it is most sought after due to its mouth-watering taste. The processing of corn syrup is the result of high-fructose corn syrup.
4. Chips: Cornmeal is used to make corn chips sold popularly across supermarkets worldwide. Doritos and Fritos are the popular brands that sell corn chips. Corn chip is relished with mayonnaise.
5. Whiskey: Many types of whiskey are produced using corn as their base. Corn is widely used in making whiskey as it need not be aged in barrels. Thus making whiskey out of corn is fast and cost-efficient compared to other ingredients used in making whiskey.
While corn is used to make sumptuous food items. One should be well aware o the sugar content in corn syrups and must consume them in moderate quantities. People with diabetes should restrain themselves from high sugar content found in corn syrups. Having said that corn gives us abundant energy and vital nutrients necessary for growth. Corn is a rich source of fibre, vitamin B, vitamin C, thiamin and phosphorus essential for the development of the body.Instead of stepping out to find your favourite corn-based products like sweet corn, gourmet popcorn and different varieties of flavoured popcorn on the shelves of supermarkets. Get them delivered at your doorstep by ordering online. Ordering corn products online has one more advantage that you can compare the prices of different brands in the same window. Order different corn-based products in a few clicks with Bigbasket.