Corn (Maize) AKA Cornmeal
Overview
Corn or Maize has an amazing history as a food. Grown and domesticated in prehistoric times, corn grain products were used throughout Mesoamerican cultures for food and drink. When European explorers first came to the Americas, corn became a global staple due to its ability to grow in most climates. Of all the corn byproducts, corn flour (maize flour) is one of the more interesting flours due to its close relationships with cornstarch and cornmeal.
Not to be mistaken for regular cornmeal, which is coarse when ground. The corn flour is finer, though resembles cornmeal in taste more than cornstarch. In certain parts of the world, corn flour and cornmeal are considered interchangeable. However, there are some differences in taste and nutritional value.
More corn grain is produced than any other grain in the world. Corn use goes beyond human consumption, as it is commonly given to livestock or used in ethanol production. Whole grain corn flour is sometimes known as Masa and has cultural significance in Latin America as a food staple.
The Royal Lee Mill
Corn Flour and the Lee Household Flour Mill
Corn flour is more finely ground than cornstarch or cornmeal. Be sure to select raw corn kernels for milling.
Start with completely dry ears of corn. Corn cobs can be hung from their husks to dry faster. Pull off the dried kernels from the cob (or use a home corn sheller for a faster process).
Yellow field corn kernels may be too large to fit through the governor mechanism of the mill. Consider chopping yellow field corn to make it smaller, or consider grinding smaller popcorn kernels. The Lee Household Flour Mill can provide coarse or finely milled flour depending on your needs.
To retain the most nutritional value, it’s advisable to only mill as much flour as needed for a specific recipe. As with all fresh flours, it is a good idea to only mill as much as you plan to use over the next few days. Unused flour can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Gluten Content & Allergen Information
Is corn flour gluten-free? Not exactly. Corn or maize flour has gluten in it, though it is different from gluten normally found in grain products. Corn gluten, known as zein, can be used as a gluten-free ingredient and is well tolerated by most people with celiac disease as it contains less gluten than traditional wheat flour. However, corn flour should be used with caution in case it still causes a reaction.
People with corn allergies should not use or consume corn flour. Used by those with glycogen storage disease (GSD) to supply glucose.
Masa Corn Flour (White)
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 Cup |
| Calories | 416 |
| Total Fat 4g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrates 87g | 29% |
| Dietary Fiber 11g | 37% |
| Total Sugars 1g |
| Protein 11g |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
| Potassium | 0% |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Whole Grain Corn Flour (Yellow)
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 Cup |
| Calories | 422 |
| Total Fat 5g | 7% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrates 90g | 30% |
| Dietary Fiber 9g | 27% |
| Total Sugars 1g |
| Protein 8g |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Diet Compatibility
Paleo Diet
The Paleo Diet seeks to emulate the hunter-gatherer diet of our stone-age ancestors. The emphasis is on wild plants and meats similar to what ancient man would have consumed. As such, dairy products, refined sugar and processed oils are off limits. While many Paleo Diet followers also avoid grains, there is ample archaeological evidence to show that grains were part of Paleolithic era man’s diet.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Not Compatible
Mediterranean Diet
This diet seeks to emulate the diets of those living along the Mediterranean coast, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood/fish at least twice a week, limited servings of poultry, and only occasional sweets and red meat.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible and Encouraged
Gluten-Free Diet
As the name suggests, the gluten-free diet eliminates all foods with gluten. Although most of those on a gluten-free diet are on it out of necessity—either due to severe wheat allergies or Celiac disease—many have embraced a gluten-free diet as being healthier.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible in Limited Amounts
Macrobiotic Diet
Although there are many versions of macrobiotic diets, the common thread is that they emphasize natural, whole foods, grown locally and organically. Whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, seeds and nuts, and occasional seafood are all integral to the diet. Red meats, dairy, poultry, eggs and processed foods are off the menu.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible
Acid Alkaline Diet
This diet aims to restore the slightly alkaline state of the body, which is believed to be ideal. By focusing on a diet high in vegetables, fruits, sprouted grains, lentils, almonds and soy products, the goal is to have a balance of 80% alkalizing foods and 20% acid forming foods.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible – Though, Alkaline is Low
Low-Carb Diet
As the name suggests, this diet focuses on reducing carbohydrates in the diet to lose weight. The theory is that by staying away from high-carb foods like pasta and bread and eating low carb, high fiber vegetables and fruits instead, your body will go into ketosis and you will lose weight. This diet is sometimes referred to as a ketogenic diet.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is a historically popular low carb diet, instructing dieters not to worry about their calories but to monitor and minimize their intake of sugar and carbohydrates. According to Dr. Atkins, depriving the body of its primary energy sources causes the body to burn fat.
Compatibility with Corn Flour:
Compatible
“We love the mill! We use it every day for things from bread, to pastry and it is phenomenal. The biggest selling point for me was the fineness since that would mean we can really do some great pastry with it in addition to bread. It definitely has been great!"
BEN FROM NORTH CAROLINA