Corn starch vs. potato starch: can you swap them out?
What To Know
- If you are looking for a starch that will produce a glossy, smooth texture, then corn starch is a good choice.
- If you are looking for a starch that has a more opaque, cloudy texture, then potato starch is a good choice.
- If you are looking for a starch that has a slightly earthy flavor, then potato starch is a good choice.
Corn starch and potato starch are two common thickening agents used in cooking. They are both derived from plants, but they have different properties that make them suitable for different applications. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether corn starch can be substituted for potato starch, and we will provide guidance on how to make the substitution if necessary.
What is Corn Starch?
Corn starch is a white, powdery substance that is made from the endosperm of corn kernels. It is a polysaccharide, which means that it is made up of many sugar molecules linked together. Corn starch is a thickening agent, which means that it can be used to thicken sauces, soups, and other liquids. It is also used as a binding agent in baked goods.
What is Potato Starch?
Potato starch is a white, powdery substance that is made from the starch granules in potatoes. It is also a polysaccharide, and it has similar properties to corn starch. Potato starch is a thickening agent, and it is also used as a binding agent in baked goods.
Can Corn Starch Be Substituted for Potato Starch?
Yes, corn starch can be substituted for potato starch in most applications. However, there are some important differences between the two starches that you should be aware of.
- Thickening power: Corn starch has a higher thickening power than potato starch. This means that you will need to use less corn starch to achieve the same level of thickening.
- Texture: Corn starch produces a more glossy, smooth texture than potato starch. Potato starch produces a more opaque, cloudy texture.
- Flavor: Corn starch has a neutral flavor, while potato starch has a slightly earthy flavor.
How to Substitute Corn Starch for Potato Starch
If you are substituting corn starch for potato starch, you will need to use less corn starch. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2/3 the amount of corn starch as potato starch. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of potato starch, you would use about 2/3 tablespoon of corn starch.
Applications for Corn Starch and Potato Starch
Corn starch and potato starch can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Sauces: Corn starch and potato starch can be used to thicken sauces, such as gravy, white sauce, and béchamel sauce.
- Soups: Corn starch and potato starch can be used to thicken soups, such as cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, and chicken noodle soup.
- Baked goods: Corn starch and potato starch can be used as binding agents in baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and muffins.
- Other applications: Corn starch and potato starch can also be used in other applications, such as making cornstarch paste, thickening pie fillings, and dredging foods before frying.
Which Starch is Right for You?
The best starch to use for a particular application will depend on the desired texture and flavor. If you are looking for a starch that will produce a glossy, smooth texture, then corn starch is a good choice. If you are looking for a starch that has a more opaque, cloudy texture, then potato starch is a good choice. If you are looking for a starch that has a neutral flavor, then corn starch is a good choice. If you are looking for a starch that has a slightly earthy flavor, then potato starch is a good choice.
Summary
Corn starch and potato starch are both versatile thickening agents that can be used in a variety of applications. While they have some different properties, they can be substituted for each other in most cases. When substituting corn starch for potato starch, it is important to use less corn starch to achieve the same level of thickening.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. What is the difference between corn starch and potato starch?
Corn starch has a higher thickening power than potato starch, and it produces a more glossy, smooth texture. Potato starch has a slightly earthy flavor, while corn starch has a neutral flavor.
2. Can I substitute corn starch for potato starch in all applications?
Yes, corn starch can be substituted for potato starch in most applications. However, it is important to use less corn starch to achieve the same level of thickening.
3. How much corn starch should I use to substitute for potato starch?
A good rule of thumb is to use about 2/3 the amount of corn starch as potato starch. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of potato starch, you would use about 2/3 tablespoon of corn starch.