Cornstarch is a fine white flour made by grinding and refining grains of corn. It is made of corn from which the seed-bearing part, called the germ, has been removed. The corn is ground in a process called wet milling. After removal of the corn proteins, the remaining cornstarch is dried in ovens. Since only 10 percent of moisture remains in the cornstarch after drying, it is often mixed with other foods to protect them from moisture. Manufacturers use cornstarch in bakery products, baking powder, candies, and salad dressing. Cooks use it to thicken gravies and puddings. Manufacturers also use cornstarch in explosives, paints, and textiles. See also Corn (The wet-milling industry).
