Corn starch, also known as cornflour, is a popular ingredient made from the starch of corn kernels. It is a fine, white powder with a bland taste and is widely used in both the food and non-food industries.

The main source of corn starch is maize, which is a widely grown crop in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, China, Brazil, and Argentina. The process of making corn starch involves grinding the corn kernels into a fine powder and then washing and separating the starch from the other components of the corn, such as the protein and fiber.

In the food industry, corn starch is commonly used as a thickener for sauces, soups, and gravies, as well as a binding agent in baked goods and other processed foods. It can also be used as a coating for fried foods to help them crisp up and stay crispy for longer.

In the non-food industry, corn starch has a wide range of applications, including as a binder in paper and cardboard production, a filler in the textile industry, and a component in the production of bioplastics and other bio-based materials.

China is a major producer of corn starch, with an annual production of around 10 million tons. The country’s large and efficient corn production industry, combined with its advanced processing technology, gives it a competitive advantage in the global market.

In summary, corn starch is a versatile and widely used ingredient with applications in both the food and non-food industries. China’s efficient corn production and advanced processing technology make it a leading producer of this important product.