Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used in cooking to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups, and to create a crispy coating for fried foods.Beyond the kitchen, it is a versatile ingredient used in personal care for things like dry shampoo and as a soothing powder for skin. Other uses include acting as an anti-caking agent, helping with sticky knots, and in some industrial applications like paper manufacturing.  

In the kitchen

Thickener:A common use is to thicken sauces, soups, stews, and fruit pie fillings, creating a smooth, glossy texture. 

Frying:It creates a light and crispy coating for fried foods like chicken, tofu, or potatoes, and is often preferred over flour for this purpose. 

Baking:Used as an egg substitute in baked goods, or mixed with flour to create a finer texture. It can also be used to make puddings. 

Anti-caking:It prevents powdered sugar and other dry ingredients from clumping. 

Tenderizer:Coating meat in cornstarch before stir-frying helps to tenderize it. 

Personal care and home

Dry shampoo:Absorbs excess oil from hair, acting as a natural dry shampoo. 

Skin soother:Can be used to soothe skin irritations and as a component in homemade baby powders. 

Deodorant:Can be used as a natural deodorant.

Cleaning:Useful for cleaning windows and removing grease stains.

Other household uses:Can help remove ants or untie knotted shoelaces. 

Industrial uses

Paper and textiles:It is used in manufacturing processes for paper products and textiles.

Adhesives:It is used as an ingredient in some adhesives.

Anti-sticking agent:Used in various applications to prevent sticking.