Cornstarch

Obtained from wet milling corn kernels, cornstarch is a very fine powder of neutral flavor, which allows it to be used both in sweet and savory preparations. It is often used as a thickener for custards, porridges, soups, sauces and blancmanges. If added to baked pastries, the final product becomes crispier and crunchier. Also known in Brazil as maisena, in reference to the famous brand Maizena, it can also replace regular flour in cakes, pies and pastries; it is usually among the safe ingredients for people suffering from celiac disease.