6 unique ways we use corn in our everyday lives

Corn is considered to be one of the major staple diets and important crops world over. It sneaks into many products and by-products, not necessarily as corn kernels, ground corn or corn starch, but still from that plant. This golden crop is known to be high in sucrose, but it consists of various other nutrients that can't be overlooked.

Believed to have first cultivated in Mexico and Central America 10,000 years ago, corn is rich in complex carbohydrates. Technically corn is a cereal grain, though it is commonly assumed to be a vegetable. It is used to make various cooking oils, flour, popcorn, bread, cornmeal, chips, snacks etc. This grain is rich in antioxidants, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from the popular yellow variety, many types of this golden grain come in red, purple, white, as well as black. If you enjoy having these delicious golden kernels, then following are some amazing uses and benefits of corn you probably didn't know before.

Difference between Cornmeal, Cornstarch, Corn flour and Masa flour

Cornmeal is prepared by powdering the whole corn. The coarsest grits are usually made into corn flakes. The finer flour is sent to stores for making bread and batter. More refined ground corn is known as corn cones, which is used in baking. The finest ground corn is called corn flour, which is used in pancakes, baby food, and donuts.

Another variety of corn flour, the masa flour, is prepared by treating corn with lime to release all of the corn's natural niacin. Masa flour is used in tortillas or tamales.

Benefits of Corn steep liquor (CSL)

Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a raw liquid which contains nitrogen, natural acids, and yeast. It was considered as a waste till the 1940s when researchers started using it to grow penicillin in large quantities.

Several Other Uses of Corn Starch

Corn Starch is derived from the endosperm of the corn. After removing the husk and germ, the remaining endosperm is grounded up, and the gluten is removed from the starch. Corn starch is commonly used to thicken curries and sauces. It is also combined with sugar for making confectioners’ sugar. It is a key ingredient of biodegradable plastic.

Uses of Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is also prepared from corn starch. Starch contains natural sugars. Different Enzymes are mixed into the cornstarch and is further processed to convert the natural glucose into corn syrup. Corn syrup is mostly used in soft drinks as it is less expensive than natural cane sugar.

Benefits of Corn for Powering Vehicles

In the US, ethanol biofuel is produced by distilling corn. Gasoline-powered vehicles can run on ethanol-blended gas.

Advantages of Corn to Treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Herbal tea made from corn silk is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, as it has diuretic properties. The tea is also believed to cure various diseases, including diabetes and cancer. However, much research is still needed to back such claims.

Different Usages of Corn Oil

Corn Oil is manufactured by extracting the germ of the corn. It is mostly used for deep frying. Margarine can also be made from corn oil. It is also added in soaps, beauty products, and medicines.

Industrial Benefits of Corn Cobs

Corn cobs are usually considered the useless part of corn. However, it has many different uses. Ground cobs are commonly used in livestock feed. It is also used as animal bedding, an alternative for toilet paper, landfill, and fuel. More advanced industrial products that are made from cobs include insecticides, fertilizer, ethanol, etc. Corn germ is used to increase the strength of industrial glue. This helps to reduce the quantity of resin in the glue and brings down the manufacturing costs.

Providing Premium Corn and Corn Products

HL Agro is one of the most reliable and leading names in the food industry providing its consumers premium quality corn and corn-based products all the way from India. Known to be one of the most renowned and acclaimed suppliers of corn, corn gluten and corn starch powder along with several other seeds and grains, HL Agro believes in catering to the needs of its global consumers and providing corn of the finest quality. Our industrial plants strictly follow quality assurance procedures and maintain high level hygiene standards. Also, at HL Agro, no harmful and harsh chemicals are used to treat the corn grains at any stage.

The author is a seasoned content marketer adroit in conceptualizing & implementing communication strategies & marketing approaches focused on creating and distributing valuable and relevant content for the defined audience.