CATEGORY
Cornmeal
2007 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER
Quaker Oats
What Makes a Great Cornmeal?
Aside from making corn muffins—which are delicious in the morning with honey or jam, or in the evening with any savory dish—cornmeal can be useful around the kitchen in a variety of ways. You can use it for cornmeal crust pizza, corn bread, spoon bread or corn cakes. It is a versatile ingredient that deserves a place in any pantry.
Our chefs define a high-quality cornmeal as having a bright yellow color that is similar to yellow corn. It should be ground to a coarse texture, but not so fine that it appears powdery. The aroma should have noticeable corn intensity with no inappropriate off notes detracting from the overall aroma or flavor.
Cornmeal is in taste balance when sweetness is the most pronounced basic taste. A discernible saltiness should follow. Sourness, if present, should be very low.
Baked into a corn muffin, bold corn flavor should be noticeable, along with a complex cornmeal character that features detectable toasty, nutty, sweet and corn notes. It should be rich and layered enough to be enjoyed without any spread or condiment.
Without being powdery, cornmeal should have a smooth grind that is not as coarse as polenta. Some grittiness is expected and desired. Cornmeal should also hydrate well when baked in a muffin.
Product Category Definition
The product judged was defined as yellow cornmeal for the consumer market.
Other Leading Brands:
Aunt Jemima, Martha White
ONE-STEP IDEAS
Substitute cornmeal for half the flour in your favorite pancake recipe. If the batter is thick, you may need to add a little more liquid.
Sprinkle on the bottom of a bread or pizza pan to keep it from sticking.
Dip fish fillets in seasoned cornmeal for a quick coating before frying.
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TASTING
TERMINOLOGY
PRODUCT
FUN FACTS
- Native Americans were cooking with ground corn long before European settlers arrived.
- The corn muffin was designated the state muffin of Massachusetts in 1986.
- Cornmeal porridge is a staple in the diet of Eastern and Southern Africans.
The ChefsBest Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs.
