Cornstarch is an essential ingredient in so many dishes&#;from helping crisp meat and thicken sauces, stews, and gravy to keeping pie crust from getting soggy. Despite cornstarch being a kitchen staple, you might find an older container sitting in the back of your pantry for quite a while.
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So, does cornstarch go bad, or can you use it past the date marked on the box? Here's everything you need to know about how long cornstarch lasts and how to store it properly&#;plus how to use it and how to tell if you should no longer use it.
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Does Cornstarch Go Bad?
Good news: Cornstarch is one of those baking staples that doesn't truly expire and can last for years. Cornstarch doesn't lose potency over time, so if it looks and smells okay, it's perfectly fine to use cornstarch well beyond any best-by or expiration date the manufacturer has posted on the box.
If cornstarch does go bad, it's usually because moisture or pests have been able to get to it&#;and you'll notice it immediately. Should you find your cornstarch has an off taste or flavor (think sour or "funky") or an "off" color, stop using it and discard the container.
How to Store Cornstarch So It Lasts Longer
Like most other grain-based ingredients (such as wheat flour or quinoa), cornstarch should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place to extend its life as long as possible (like a kitchen cabinet or pantry). Ensure that it's in a tightly sealed container, as mice, insects, and other pests could be attracted to the cornstarch.
Many manufacturers now sell cornstarch in a well-sealed plastic container to help you keep any potential pests or moisture at bay. So feel free to keep your cornstarch in that container or transfer it to another tightly sealed glass or plastic food container, especially if you store essential ingredients in a matching set of storage containers.
Avoid storing cornstarch in the refrigerator or freezer because you want to keep it dry and away from moisture to help it last longer.
How to Use Cornstarch
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Cornstarch is a culinary workhorse you'll pull out many times&#;especially in the fall when it's used to help thicken gravy, pie filling, and other Thanksgiving meal must-haves. To thicken dishes, mix the cornstarch with the liquid you're using (i.e., broth, juice, or melted butter), and let it come to a boil to unlock cornstarch's thickening ability.
You can also use cornstarch as an even more effective substitute for flour in recipes that use flour to thicken a sauce or soup (think gravy, mac and cheese, and pot pies). When substituting cornstarch for flour, cut the amount used by half. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 Tbsp of flour, use 1/2 Tbsp of cornstarch.
Using Cornstarch for Cleaning
Cornstarch can also be used around the house and for cleaning, much like baking soda. It's an effective deodorizer, can be made into a gentle scrub to take care of stains on pots and pans, and it's especially effective at absorbing and removing grease stains.
Using cornstarch around the house, in addition to cooking or baking with it, will help you go through that container of cornstarch quickly&#;so you won't ever have to worry about whether your cornstarch has gone bad.
Can bacteria grow in cornstarch?
Bacteria or fungi can grow in cornstarch, especially if it comes into contact with moisture or isn't properly stored. This is why you should never use cornstarch on your skin. To avoid bacterial or fungal growth in cornstarch, store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from moisture.
Does cornstarch lose its thickening power?
While cornstarch doesn't naturally lose its thickening ability from being stored for a long time, its thickening power can be decreased if not treated correctly. Exposure to too much heat or agitation can cause the cornstarch's molecules to degrade and lead to a thinner consistency. For best results, cornstarch should be added during the final cooking stage or left alone once brought to a boiling point.
What is the difference between cornstarch and corn flour?
Cornstarch and corn flour are different products used in varying ways when cooking or baking. Corn flour is made from corn kernels and is full of nutrients like protein and fiber. Cornstarch is a fine powder used for thickening foods and is essentially a starch comprised of carbohydrates.
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