Cornstarch
Maïzena
| Latin name | Zea mays |
|---|---|
| Family | Texture agents |
| Origin | New Jersey, 1840s |
| Season (France) | All year |
| Flavour | Mild · Delicate · Sweet · Milky |
| Typical price (France) | 3–6 €/kg |
What it is
Invented in 1842 by Thomas Kingsford, who was trying to make starch for laundry rather than food — the culinary use came later and by accident. Its French brand name, Maïzena, has entirely replaced the generic word.
In the kitchen
Slake it in cold liquid first, always. Tipped into anything hot it seizes into lumps that will never dissolve.
Goes with
Cream White sugar Vanilla Egg Lemon Dark chocolate Butter
Same species
Instant modified waxy maize starch Blue corn Corn Dextrose Hominy (nixtamalised corn) Masa harina
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