Blue cornmeal brings a delightful twist to cooking and can be found at many grocery stores.
It comes in several different varieties and has many different uses.
If you have never tried blue cornmeal before, here’s everything you need to know about this delicious ingredient.
What is blue cornmeal?
Blue cornmeal is a corn flour that contains an incredible amount of antioxidants and nutrients.
This product is made from whole corn kernels that have been ground into a fine powder.
The corn kernel includes several vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that all work together to provide you with energy, nourishment, and even help with weight loss.
Where does blue cornmeal come from?
You may be wondering where blue cornmeal comes from.
Blue cornmeal was first introduced by the Native Americans who used to grow the corn on their farms.
In fact, blue cornmeal was so important to them that they would grind up the kernels into a flour and use it as medicine.
Today, blue cornmeal is still widely available in grocery stores around the world.
How is blue cornmeal made?
The process of making blue cornmeal begins when the corn kernels are harvested.
Once the corn is cut off the plant, it goes through a series of cleaning processes to remove dirt and debris.
After being cleaned, the corn is dried and then roasted in a kiln.
When it comes out of the kiln, the corn is crushed into a powder using a millstone or other mechanical means.
Once the corn is ground into a fine powder, it can be mixed with water to create blue cornmeal.
What is the nutritional value of blue cornmeal?
When you eat blue cornmeal, you get a lot more than just a pretty color.
You also receive a lot of nutrition and energy while doing so.
Blue cornmeal is packed full of fiber, protein, zinc, and iron.
All of these nutrients will keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
What are the health benefits of blue cornmeal?
There are a few notable health benefits associated with eating blue cornmeal.
For starters, blue cornmeal contains high amounts of magnesium, which helps to promote proper bone density.
Magnesium is also an essential mineral that plays a vital role in helping maintain blood pressure levels.
Other health benefits that are enjoyed by people who consume blue cornmeal include improved heart health, increased immune system function, and reduced risk of diabetes.
What are the health risks of blue cornmeal?
While blue cornmeal is considered a nutritious food, it isn’t completely free of risk factors.
People who suffer from a certain type of cancer should not eat blue cornmeal because it contains higher amounts of erucic acid, a fatty acid that increases the risk of developing cancer.
There are also studies that indicate that consuming too much blue cornmeal could cause kidney damage.
What are some uses for blue cornmeal?
If you’re looking for something to add to your diet, blue cornmeal is the perfect choice.
Many chefs and cooks love how versatile this food product is.
You can use it in a variety of dishes like soups, sauces, breads, muffins, casseroles, and baked goods.
It’s also great for adding flavor to salads, vegetables, meats, and desserts.
How long does blue cornmeal last?
It depends on whether or not you store blue cornmeal properly.
If you buy it in bulk at a wholesale club, it should last for six months to a year.
However, if you purchase it in smaller quantities, you might only be able to use it within a couple of weeks.
What are some tips for cooking with blue cornmeal?
One of the best ways to enjoy blue cornmeal is to cook with it.
You can use it in place of regular flour in almost every recipe.
It works well in pancakes, waffles, biscuits, cakes, cookies, and muffins.
It’s also a wonderful substitute for rice, pasta, and potatoes.
What are some recipes that include blue cornmeal?
- Whole Grain Pancakes
- Biscuits
- Cake Mixes
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Waffles
- Muffins
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Pasta
- Potatoes
Are there any drawbacks to blue cornmeal?
One drawback to blue cornmeal is that it doesn’t absorb moisture like regular flour does.
It can be tricky to mix blue cornmeal into a batter without having it turn out dry and crumbly.
That’s why it’s recommended that you use it sparingly.
What are some tips for storing blue cornmeal?
If you want to store blue cornmeal for a longer period of time, you can either refrigerate it or freeze it.
Refrigerating blue cornmeal will extend its shelf life for one week or more.
Freezing blue cornmeal extends its shelf life for at least three months.
What are some recipes that don’t require blue cornmeal?
Blue cornmeal is a great ingredient to use when you don’t have access to regular flour.
While it does have a distinctive color, blue cornmeal actually looks quite similar to white flour when you bake with it.
This makes it easy to swap out traditional flour for blue cornmeal whenever you need to.
Citrus Cornmeal Cake
Equipment
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lemon yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 can 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
- 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
Instructions
- Apply a 9-in. cooking spray-coated fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Beat the yogurt, honey, oil, egg, egg whites, and extract together in a big basin until everything is completely combined. Blend the flour, cornmeal, and baking powder together before gradually adding it to the yogurt mixture. Add orange zest and stir.
- Fill prepared pan with liquid. Place oranges and almonds on top of the batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Before cutting, allow it cool for ten minutes on a wire rack. At room temperature or heated, serve.
Video
Nutrition
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