Corn syrup facts for kids
Corn syrup is a sweet, thick liquid made from maize (corn). It is mostly made of glucose, which is a type of sugar. People use corn syrup to sweeten many foods like soft drinks, juices, and ice cream. It also helps keep foods moist and stops them from going bad too quickly. In some places, like the United States, it is often cheaper than regular table sugar.
The term glucose syrup is often used to mean the same thing as corn syrup. This is because in the United States, glucose syrup is usually made from corn starch. But glucose syrup can actually be made from other starchy plants too, like wheat, tapioca, or potatoes. Corn syrup helps make food softer, adds volume, stops sugar from forming crystals, and makes flavors stronger.
How Corn Syrup is Made
Historically, corn syrup was made by mixing corn starch with a weak acid and then heating it. A scientist named Gottlieb Kirchhoff discovered this process in 1812. Today, corn syrup is made using a special process with many steps, often involving natural enzymes.
There are two main types of corn syrup you might see in stores:
- Light corn syrup is clear and tastes mildly sweet. It often has a little vanilla flavor and salt added to it.
- Dark corn syrup is a warm brown color and has a much stronger taste. It is a mix of corn syrup and molasses (or a similar syrup), along with caramel color and flavor, salt, and a preservative. The molasses gives it a richer flavor and color.
What Corn Syrup is Used For
Corn syrup is used in many foods. Its main jobs are to make food thicker, make it sweeter, and keep it moist. An ingredient that keeps food moist is called a humectant. This helps food stay fresh for longer.
In the United States, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are often used in processed foods, candies, and drinks. This is because they can be less expensive than cane sugar.
Before high-fructose corn syrup became popular, regular corn syrup was the main corn sweetener used in the U.S. HFCS is a special type of corn syrup where some of the glucose is changed into fructose, making it even sweeter and easier to dissolve.
If you mix corn syrup with sugar, water, and cream of tartar, you can even use it to make sugar glass for decorations or movie props!
Related Pages
See also
In Spanish: Jarabe de maíz para niños
Images for kids
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Corn syrup
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A railroad tank car carrying corn syrup
