Is Cornmeal the same as Cornstarch?

Cornmeal and cornstarch are both derived from corn, but they are not the same thing.

Cornmeal is made from ground dried corn kernels. It has a coarse texture and is used to make dishes such as cornbread, polenta, and hush puppies. Cornmeal is also used as a thickener in soups and stews.

Cornstarch, on the other hand, is made from the endosperm of the corn kernel. It is a fine, powdery substance that is used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and puddings. Cornstarch can also be used to make cornstarch slurry, which is used to thicken liquids without adding any flavor.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between cornmeal and cornstarch:

| Feature | Cornmeal | Cornstarch |

|---|---|---|

| Texture | Coarse | Fine |

| Color | Yellow | White |

| Flavor | Slightly sweet | Neutral |

| Uses | Cornbread, polenta, hush puppies, thickener | Thickener, cornstarch slurry |

In general, cornmeal is used to add texture and flavor to dishes, while cornstarch is used to thicken liquids.