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CORNMEAL
Cornmeal is a type of flour ground from dried kernels of yellow or white corn. Unlike all-purpose flour, cornmeal has a sweet and full-bodied flavor.
Points to remember
Ÿ The cornmeal in groceries stores usually is steel-ground cornmeal. The husk and germ of the corn kernel have been almost completely removed.
Ÿ You usually can find stone-ground cornmeal in natural food stores. Some of the hull and germ remain in the type of cornmeal, lending a little more flavor and nutrition to recipes.
Ÿ Cornmeal comes in three textures. Fine texture often is referred to as corn flour. Medium texture is the most commonly available in stores. Coarse texture is used for dishes such as polenta.
Storing
Steel-ground cornmeal keeps in an airtight container in a cool, dry place almost indefinitely. Stone-ground cornmeal is more perishable. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container up to four months. Additionally, you can store cornmeal in the freezer in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag,
Substitutions
Yellow and white cornmeal can be used interchangeable in recipes. The only difference is in the color. Stone-ground cornmeal has a bit more texture and flavor than steel-ground cornmeal, but both can be used interchangeably in recipes.
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