Blue corn flour is a type of corn flour made from grinding blue corn kernels. It has a distinctive blue or purple color and a coarser texture compared to finely ground blue cornmeal (also known as blue harina). The key difference between blue corn flour and blue cornmeal lies in the fineness of the grind.
Understanding Blue Corn Flour
Blue corn flour is derived from a variety of corn with naturally occurring blue or purple pigments, resulting in its vibrant hue. This pigment, anthocyanin, is also found in other fruits and vegetables like blueberries and purple cabbage.
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Production: Blue corn kernels are ground to create blue corn flour. The grinding process determines the texture; coarser grinding results in flour, while finer grinding produces meal or harina.
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Texture: Blue corn flour is coarser than blue cornmeal. This difference affects its use in cooking; flour is better suited for certain applications where a slightly coarser texture is desired.
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Color: The striking blue or purple color is a defining characteristic. This vibrant color comes from the anthocyanins present in the corn kernels.
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Uses: Blue corn flour can be used in various recipes, including cornbread, tortillas, and other baked goods, adding a unique visual appeal and subtle flavor.
Blue Corn Flour vs. Blue Cornmeal
It's important to differentiate blue corn flour from blue cornmeal (or blue harina):
| Feature | Blue Corn Flour | Blue Cornmeal (Harina) |
|---|---|---|
| Grind | Coarse | Fine |
| Texture | Coarser | Finer |
| Use | Recipes requiring a coarser texture | Recipes where finer texture is needed |
The provided reference states: "It is made by grinding whole blue corn kernels, resulting in a coarse texture with a striking blue or purple color. Therefore, blue harina is the finely ground version of blue cornmeal. The difference, then, lies only in the coarseness of its grinding and, therefore, in its final texture." (11-Jan-2024)
