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Corn Oil - High in Vitamins and Mild in Flavor
Corn oil is extracted from maize (germ of corn). Corn is a cereal crop and a member of the grass family. Corn oil is very good for frying because of its high smoke point and is also an ingredient in some margarines. Corn oil is cheaper than many other kinds of vegetable oil and has a soft, mild flavor. It is healthier for you than most animal fats. If made from yellow corn, it is high in Vitamins A. All corn oil is high in Vitamins B, C, and potassium. You can buy it at most grocery stores.
How is Corn Oil Made?
Only the germ of the corn kernel is used for making corn oil. The germ contains about 85% of the total oil in the kernel. The corn is inspected and cleaned, before being separated from the cob. It is steeped for 40 hours to break the starch and protein bonds. The corn is then soaked in warm water to soften the kernel.
Next, it is dried and the germ is separated from the kernel. The oil is extracted from the germ, usually with continuous screw presses or chemical solvents. Corn oil is usually made from genetically modified corn, unless it is labeled as being "organic." It is modified to protect it from herbicides and for pest resistance. The US produces almost half of the world's corn. The rest comes from Brazil, Mexico, China, and various European countries.
Uses of Corn Oil
Corn oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, which are vulnerable to heat damage, so corn oil is usually used at low and medium temperatures, or in sauces, dips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. It is also used in the production of margarine. Corn oil is good with Mexican cuisine because, even though the corn taste is very mild, it is there and does complement the food.
Corn Oil Margarine
Old-fashioned corn oil margarine is considered as beneficial to your health as the more expensive cholesterol-reducing spreads. It contains phytosterols, which block the intestine from absorbing cholesterol. Corn oil margarine contains unsaturated fats, unlike butter, but should still be eaten in moderation.
Corn Oil Substitute
If you do not have corn oil, you can substitute safflower, soybean, peanut or canola oil. Peanut oil has a lower smoke point than corn oil so choose one of the others if you play to deep fry. If you are greasing pans, you can use a cooking spray.
Shelf Life of Corn Oil
If kept unopened, corn oil will keep for at least a year. When it has been opened, it should keep for 4 to 6 months. Whether it has been opened or not, you should store corn oil in a cool, dark place and make sure it is tightly covered.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Corn Oil
Corn oil, like soybean, cottonseed, safflower, and sunflower oil, is high in omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are a type of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can also get omega-6 fatty acids from breads, nuts, cereals, eggs, poultry, baked goods, and most other vegetable oils.
