What is the difference between maize-flour and maize-meal?

Maize flour and maize meal are both made from ground maize (corn). However, there are some key differences between the two products.

* Maize flour is made from finely ground maize kernels, while maize meal is made from coarsely ground maize kernels. This difference in texture results in different culinary applications for the two products. Maize flour is typically used for baking, while maize meal is typically used for making polenta, grits, and other porridge-like dishes.

* Maize flour has a higher nutritional value than maize meal. This is because the finer grinding process of maize flour results in a product that retains more of the maize kernel's nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

* Maize flour has a shorter shelf life than maize meal. This is because the finer grinding process of maize flour makes it more susceptible to spoilage. Maize meal, on the other hand, can be stored for a longer period of time.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between maize flour and maize meal:

| Characteristic | Maize Flour | Maize Meal |

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

| Texture | Fine | Coarse |

| Culinary Applications | Baking | Polenta, grits, porridge |

| Nutritional Value | Higher | Lower |

| Shelf Life | Shorter | Longer |