5 Uses for Cornmeal

Cornmeal adds a specific flavor and texture to recipes and has many uses outside of the kitchen as well. Learn more with these 5 Uses for Cornmeal.

Have you ever thought about the many uses of cornmeal? Cornmeal is a course flour made from dried corn. It is a common staple food, but most of us forget all about it. However, cornmeal makes for amazing recipes. It adds texture and gives you a better taste all around. Here are 5 Uses for Cornmeal in and out of the kitchen.

5 Uses for Cornmeal

1. Coat Your Favorite Foods

Cornmeal is a staple in homes that deep fry many of their favorite foods. This is because cornmeal makes the perfect coating for fried foods such as fish, chicken, fried green tomatoes and other infamous fried foods. It gives the perfect amount of crunch and texture to your deep-fried foods. I like to mix my cornmeal with garlic salt, pepper, and garlic powder to give it a nice kick when using it as a coating.

2. Muffins

Instead of using flour in your muffin mix, you can use cornmeal. Cornmeal gives your muffins a little extra texture and adds to the flavor. Since cornmeal already has a flavor, you will want to make muffins that go well with that flavor. Here are a few great recipes:

Cornmeal Muffins: Just like cornbread jiffy mix except homemade! Add ¼ cup of sugar for a sweeter taste.
Honey Cornbread muffins: If you have ever added honey to your cornbread, you know this is a sweet treat.
Cranberry Cornmeal muffins: Betty Crocker knows how good cornmeal muffins are, and you should too.

3. Exfoliating Mask

Cornmeal isn’t only for food. In fact, unlike harmful facial products at the store, cornmeal can be used as a natural exfoliating mask. Simply mix 5 tablespoons of cornmeal, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Once all the ingredients are mixed, thoroughly, apply to your face by massaging it in with your fingertips. Rinse immediately, or leave it on as a mask for 5-minutes.

4. Homemade Deodorant

Did you know that cornstarch (a cornmeal variety) is an ingredient in most antiperspirants? The thin cornstarch can be applied under sweaty armpits and in shoes to help absorb the moisture. You might not get the fresh fruity smell, but adding a few drops of essential oils can help with that.

5. Natural Abrasive

Since cornmeal is course, naturally, it is a great tool to getting stuck food off pots and pans. Simply add a little cornmeal to your dirty dishes and start scrubbing it. The sandpaper effect will crack through all that stuck on food making dishwashing a breeze.

What other ways have you found to use cornmeal? Share your cornmeal uses in the comments below!