Does cornstarch go bad? The answer to this question is a little complicated. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that is found in plants. Many recipes use it as a thickener to make it creamy and thick. Cornstarch is made from corn kernel, and you can store it at room temperature for a while.
Cornstarch does not go bad if appropriately stored under dry and cool conditions. However, if exposed to moisture or heat, it will spoil. In this blog post, we will discuss the shelf life and how to store it properly!
How does cornstarch go bad?
The answer to this question depends on the type of cornstarch used. There are two types of cornstarch: modified and unmodified. Modified starch is treated with an enzyme, and it has a longer shelf life than unmodified cornstarch. Unmodified starch will spoil faster, but it is still safe to eat after being stored for a while.
The shelf life of cornstarch also depends on the storage conditions. For example, if stored at room temperature, it will last for a long time in dry conditions.
Even with an indefinite shelf life, moisture and heat deteriorates the quality and may cause mold to grow in corn starch. If you find any mold growth and change in the appearance of the powder, throw it in the bin.
Moreover, if you keep the cornstarch jar open, the ants may start eating it and die after eating. It doesn’t mean that product is terrible. When water gets mixed with the starch, it makes a cement-like mixture that traps the ants and kills them.
Tips to tell if cornstarch has gone bad
Cornstarch is a great thickening agent and lasts for a very long time. Be sure to check the expiration date on the package, and if you are not sure whether it has gone wrong or not, use your best judgment. If in doubt, throw it out!
Here are a few things you can keep in mind if you are unsure about the quality of the starch.
- Mold growth: If you see any mold growth on the surface of cornstarch, it means the product has gone bad, and you should throw it away.
- Change of odor: If the cornstarch has changed color or smells off, it is also time to toss it.
- Clumpiness: Another way to tell if cornstarch has spoiled is by looking at the texture. If it is clumpy, it is no longer suitable to eat.
- Try mixing with water: If you are not sure whether the cornstarch is still good or not, try mixing it with water. If it does not thicken properly, it is time to get rid of it! And buy a new one.
How to store cornstarch properly?
Always store cornstarch in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture or high temperature will make it start to spoil. Modified cornstarch has a longer shelf life than unmodified cornstarch, but both types will spoil if they are not stored properly.
1. Store in a cool, dry place
Be sure to keep the corn starch jar in a cool, dry place and always close the lid tightly. If the starch powder is stored in these conditions, it will last for a long time!
A Pantry or kitchen is the best place to store it as you store wheat flour or any other powdery product.
2. Store in an airtight container
Always store it in an airtight container to save it from any moisture. Moisture deteriorates the quality of the powder and can make it clumpy.
3. Never refrigerate
Cornstarch is dust from flour, so there is technically no moisture. This is the reason for the long shelf life of starch. If you keep it in the fridge without sealing properly, the powder will draw the moisture and clump together.
Again any moisture lets mold to growth and damage food products.
Here are a few points to remember regarding the storage:
- Store cornstarch at room temperature in a dry place.
- If it is exposed to moisture or heat, it will spoil.
- Modified cornstarch has a longer shelf life than unmodified one.
- If you are not sure whether corn starch has gone bad, try cooking with it first. If it does not thicken properly, it is time to get rid of it!
What happens if you use expired cornstarch?
If you use expired starch powder, it will not thicken properly. As a result, it may ruin your recipe and make the food taste bad.
Never use moldy starch. It may cause an allergic reaction due to the presence of toxins and mycotoxins.
If you are not sure whether the cornstarch has gone wrong or not, it is best to throw it out and get a new package. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food!
Does cornstarch go bad in the refrigerator?
Usually, cornstarch doesn’t need refrigeration due to the absence of any moisture. As we know that it is dust from flour, it is moisture-free, and no bacteria can grow without free water. Bacteria and mold require high water activity to grow and increase.
If you store it in a refrigerator, make sure that you keep it in an airtight sealed container, and no moisture can go inside the container. If not stored properly, it may go bad in the fridge after drawing the moisture.
Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour vs. Cornmeal: What Are The Differences?
When it comes to baking, there are a lot of different ingredients to use. But, of course, flour is one of the most common ingredients, and you can use an other type of flour.
Cornstarch, cornflour, and cornmeal are all made from corn, but they are used in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these three ingredients!
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is made from the endosperm of the corn kernel. It is a fine, powdery substance that is used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and desserts. Cornstarch can also be used to coat meat or vegetables before frying.
Corn flour
Corn flour is made from the entire corn kernel, including the bran and the germ. It is a coarse, flour-like substance that is used to make cornbread, tortillas, and other Mexican dishes.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is made from ground-up dried corn kernels. It has a gritty texture and is used to make pancakes, muffins, and breading for fried foods.
Now that you know the differences between these products from corn, you can use them in all of your favorite recipes!
We hope you found this blog post helpful! Now that you know about this powder, you can use it in all of your favorite recipes! Thanks for reading!
