So, what exactly is cornstarch? In short, it's a type of carbohydrate that's extracted from the endosperm of the corn kernel. Think of it like a super-fine powder that's often used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and other recipes. But here's the thing: cornstarch is not the same thing as cornmeal, despite what the names might suggest.
One of the main reasons cornstarch and cornmeal are different is because of their particle size. Cornmeal is generally much coarser than cornstarch, which makes it better suited for things like baking and cooking. Cornstarch, on the other hand, is super-fine, which makes it perfect for thickening liquids and adding texture to dishes. It's kind of like the difference between sand and dust - they're both made of the same stuff, but one is much finer than the other.
