Cornstarch is often used in certain spice blends due to its anti-caking, binding and thickening properties and also because it adds volume and texture in a cost effective manner.
Below we’ll discuss the following points:
- Benefits of adding cornstarch to spice blends.
- Which spice blends benefit from cornstarch.
- How cornstarch is made.
- Properties of cornstarch that benefit spice blends.
- How much cornstarch should be used.
- How you should add the cornstarch.
Cornstarch Has Multiple Benefits For Certain Spice Blends
Cornstarch is sometimes used in spice blends or seasoning mixes for several reasons:
- Anti-Caking Agent: Cornstarch helps prevent clumping or caking of the spices. Many ground spices tend to absorb moisture from the air, which can cause them to clump together over time. Cornstarch absorbs this moisture, keeping the spice blend free-flowing and easy to use.
- Volume and Texture: Cornstarch adds bulk and volume to the spice blend, making it easier to measure and handle. This can be especially helpful when creating consistent spice mixtures for recipes or commercial purposes.
- Dilution: In some cases, spices may be too potent or concentrated to use directly. Cornstarch helps dilute the spices, making them milder and more evenly distributed when added to dishes.
- Binding Agent: Cornstarch can act as a binding agent, helping the spices adhere to the food’s surface when used as a rub or seasoning. It forms a thin coating on the food, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Thickening: In certain spice blends used for sauces, soups, or stews, cornstarch serves as a thickening agent, giving the mixture a desirable consistency.
- Cost-Effective: Cornstarch is an economical ingredient, which makes it a cost-effective filler or carrier for spice blends, especially for commercial production.
It’s important to note that not all spice blends contain cornstarch, and its use depends on the specific purpose and intended application of the blend. Some people prefer spice blends without fillers like cornstarch for more concentrated and pure flavors.
If you’re making spice blends at home, you can choose whether or not to include cornstarch based on your preferences and the intended use of the blend.
What Spice Blends Benefit From Cornstarch?
Here are a few examples of spice blends where cornstarch is commonly used:
- Barbecue Rubs: Barbecue rubs often contain a mixture of spices, herbs, sugar, and salt. Cornstarch can be added to barbecue rubs to prevent clumping and help the rub adhere to the meat’s surface. It also aids in creating a desirable texture and promotes even browning during the cooking process.
- Curry Powders: Curry powders typically consist of a combination of ground spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. Cornstarch is sometimes added to curry powder blends to improve texture and aid in thickening the sauce or gravy when the powder is used in cooking.
- Dry Marinades: Dry marinades or spice rubs used for marinating meats, such as chicken or pork, often include a variety of spices, salt, and sometimes sugar. Cornstarch can be added to these dry marinades to help the spices adhere to the meat’s surface, ensuring better flavor penetration and creating a caramelized crust during cooking.
- Coating Mixes: Some spice blends are used as coatings for fried foods like chicken tenders or onion rings. These blends usually include a combination of spices, herbs, and flour. Cornstarch can be added to the coating mix to enhance crispiness, improve adhesion to the food, and help create a light and airy texture.
- Spice Blends for Sauces and Gravies: Certain spice blends are specifically formulated for making sauces, gravies, or thickened dishes. Cornstarch is commonly added to these blends to act as a thickening agent. When combined with liquid and heat, the cornstarch absorbs moisture and swells, creating a thickened consistency in the sauce or gravy.
It’s important to note that the use of cornstarch in spice blends may vary depending on regional preferences, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences. Some spice blends may utilize alternative thickeners or omit them altogether, depending on the desired outcome and application, something we’ll discuss below.
What Is Cornstarch Made From?
Cornstarch, as the name suggests, is primarily made from corn, specifically the endosperm of corn kernels. It is a fine white powder derived from the starchy part of corn. The process involves several steps:
- Corn Milling: The corn kernels are cleaned and soaked in water to soften them.
- Separation: The softened kernels are then separated into their components, including the endosperm, germ, and bran.
- Endosperm Extraction: The endosperm is isolated and ground into a fine powder.
- Purification: The ground endosperm undergoes a purification process to remove impurities, proteins, and fibers.
- Drying: The purified starch is dried to reduce moisture content and create the final cornstarch product.
What Properties Make Cornstarch A Benefit To Spice Blends?
Cornstarch has several properties that make it suitable for adding to spice blends:
- Neutral Flavor: Cornstarch has a very mild, neutral flavor, which means it won’t significantly affect the taste of the spice blend. This allows the spices’ flavors to shine through.
- White Color: Cornstarch is white, so it doesn’t alter the color of the spice blend. This is important when maintaining the desired appearance of dishes.
- Texture Modification: Cornstarch acts as an anti-caking agent, preventing clumping and ensuring that the spices remain free-flowing. It also adds a fine texture to the blend, making it easier to handle and measure.
- Absorption of Moisture: Cornstarch has moisture-absorbing properties, helping to prevent moisture from causing the spices to clump or deteriorate over time.
- Bulk and Volume: It adds bulk to the spice blend, making it easier to scoop, pour, and measure. This is particularly useful for both home and commercial cooking.
- Binding and Coating: Cornstarch can act as a binder, helping the spices adhere to the surface of food when used as a seasoning or rub. It forms a thin, even coating, enhancing the flavor and texture of dishes.
- Thickening Agent: In spice blends designed for sauces, gravies, or soups, cornstarch can serve as a thickening agent, improving the consistency of the mixture. Cornstarch as a thickening agent is a long-used tool in cuisine.
It’s important to use cornstarch judiciously in spice blends, as excessive amounts can affect the texture of the dishes in which they are used. The amount of cornstarch added should be balanced to achieve the desired properties without overwhelming the flavors of the spices.
How Much Cornstarch Should Be Added To A Spice Blend?
The amount of cornstarch to add to a spice blend can vary depending on the specific recipe, the desired consistency, and the intended use of the blend.
Here are some general guidelines:
Anti-Caking Agent
If the primary purpose of adding cornstarch to your spice blend is to prevent clumping and ensure free-flowing spices, a common ratio is approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of spice blend. You can adjust this based on the coarseness of your spices and the climate in your area.
Finer spices may require less cornstarch.
Thickening Agent
If you intend to use the spice blend as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, or soups, the amount of cornstarch will vary. Typically, for thickening purposes, you might use 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of liquid.
Adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired thickness.
Seasoning Mixes
In seasoning blends where cornstarch is added to improve adherence to food surfaces or create a coating, you might use approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of spice mixture.
Again, adjust to suit your specific recipe and preferences.
How Should You Add Cornstarch To Spice Blends?
It’s important to add cornstarch gradually while mixing to ensure even distribution throughout the spice blend. Additionally, consider the specific characteristics of the spices and the final dish when determining the appropriate amount of cornstarch.
One of the best practices for using cornstarch is to keep in mind that it is a powerful thickener, so a little can go a long way, especially in liquid-based dishes.
Final Thoughts
Cornstarch is often added to spice blends that require thickening, improved texture, or even coating capabilities, such as curry powder, seasoning mixes for fried chicken, or dry rubs for barbecue meats. It helps achieve a desired consistency, better adhesion to food surfaces, and a more appealing final presentation.