9 Surprising uses of cornstarch you probably didn't know about

1. Thickening sauces, soups and stews.

Cornstarch is well known for its ability to thicken sauces, stews and soups. As a pure starch, it has the ability to bind ingredients, creating a shiny and silky texture without altering the flavor. To use it, you only need to dilute a little cornstarch in cold water and add it to the hot preparation to achieve a thicker result.

2. Improve the texture of desserts

In baking, cornstarch is a key ingredient to improve the texture of pies, cakes and biscuits. You can substitute one third of the pastry flour with cornstarch. The gluten in the flour will add structure, while the cornstarch will add fluffiness, lightness and softness. It is also excellent for thickening and stabilizing fillings and pastry creams, such as crème brûlée or crème brûlée, without altering their flavor.

3. Achieve crispier fried foods

If you're looking for a crispier, lighter fry, mix wheat flour with cornstarch to coat the food before frying. The cornstarch absorbs less oil and creates a crispier, airier outer layer - try it the next time you make cordon bleu, nuggets or any type of fried food!

4. Substitute egg

For those who follow a vegan diet or have egg intolerance, cornstarch is an excellent alternative. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with three tablespoons of water and whisk until you obtain a smooth paste. Then, add it to your preparation to maintain the structure of the recipe without altering the flavor.

5. Soothe skin irritations

Thanks to its soothing properties, cornstarch can be used as a natural remedy to relieve minor skin irritations such as rashes or minor burns. Mix cornstarch with water to form a paste and apply it directly to the skin. In a few minutes, you will notice how the redness and inflammation subsides.

6. Taking care of your hair

If you prefer natural hair care products, cornstarch is ideal for reducing oil, detangling hair and adding volume without using chemicals. Simply sprinkle a little cornstarch on the scalp, like dry shampoo, and then comb through thoroughly.

7. Avoid humidity

Cornstarch is a powerful anti-humidity agent. You can put some of this powder in a sachet and store it in the cookie box to keep cookies fresh longer. It also works to hang a sachet filled with cornstarch on the clothesline to prevent musty odors on towels and other garments.

8. Cleaning windows

If you prefer an ecological cleaning without chemicals, cornstarch is an excellent option to clean glass and windows without leaving marks. Mix cornstarch with vinegar and water, put the solution in a spray bottle and apply to the surfaces. Then dry with a microfiber cloth.

9. Cleaning metals and silver objects

Did you know that cornstarch can restore the shine to silver and other metals? When mixed with water, it forms a paste that, when rubbed on metal objects, removes dirt and restores their original shine. It is a natural and safe method recommended by some cleaning experts.

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As you can see, cornstarch, a humble and inexpensive product, has surprising applications beyond the kitchen. From enhancing your recipes to beauty care and household cleaning, this multifaceted powder can make your life easier. Don't underestimate the power of cornstarch the next time you open your pantry!

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