Is corn meal same as maize flour?

Here's a breakdown of the differences:

* Grinding: Corn meal is typically made from coarsely ground corn kernels, while maize flour is more finely ground.

* Texture: This difference in grinding results in corn meal having a rougher, grittier texture, while maize flour has a smoother texture.

* Usage: Corn meal is often used in recipes that require a coarser texture, such as cornbread, polenta, and hushpuppies. Maize flour is used in dishes that require a finer texture, such as tortillas, arepas, and some types of bread.

However, it's important to note that some regional variations exist:

* "Maize flour" is often used in parts of Europe and South America, while "corn meal" is more common in North America.

* Different types of corn are used to make corn meal and maize flour, which can also affect the texture and taste.

Ultimately, whether you call it corn meal or maize flour, it's the same ingredient. The key difference is the level of grinding and the resulting texture.