No, corn starch does not taste good.
Corn starch, in its raw form, is essentially flavorless and odorless. It is not intended to be consumed on its own as a flavorful ingredient. Its primary function is to act as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, altering the texture of foods rather than contributing to their taste.
Why Corn Starch Lacks Flavor:
- Composition: Corn starch is almost pure starch, extracted from corn kernels. Starch itself doesn't have a pronounced flavor.
- Purpose: Its main purpose is to change the texture of sauces, gravies, soups, and desserts, making them thicker and smoother.
Corn Starch vs. Corn Flour:
It's important to distinguish corn starch from corn flour. While both are derived from corn, they are different products with distinct characteristics:
| Feature | Corn Starch | Corn Flour |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Extracted starch from corn | Ground whole corn kernels |
| Taste | Flavorless | Earthy, slightly sweet |
| Texture Effect | Thickening agent | Adds texture and some thickening |
| Common Uses | Sauces, gravies, desserts | Tortillas, breads, coatings |
Corn flour, being made from the whole kernel, retains some of the natural flavors of corn, giving it an earthy and slightly sweet taste. Corn starch, however, undergoes a refining process that removes most of the flavor.
Therefore, while corn flour can contribute to the taste of a dish, corn starch remains a neutral ingredient focused solely on texture.
