Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 20, 2026

Maize flour

Maize flour or corn flour is a flour ground from dried maize (corn). It is a common staple food, and is ground to coarse, medium, and fine consistencies. Coarsely ground corn flour (meal) is known as cornmeal. When maize flour is made from maize that has been soaked in an alkaline solution, e.g., limewater, it is called masa harina, which is used for making tamales and tortillas. Arepas are typically made from corn flour that has not been nixtamalized.

Last revised
Jul 20, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Maize flour
Alternative namesCorn flour
Main ingredientsMaize
White maize flour source ↗

Maize flour or corn flour is a flour ground from dried maize (corn).12 It is a common staple food, and is ground to coarse, medium, and fine consistencies. Coarsely ground corn flour (meal) is known as cornmeal.34 When maize flour is made from maize that has been soaked in an alkaline solution, e.g., limewater (a process known as nixtamalization), it is called masa harina (or masa flour), which is used for making tamales and tortillas.5 Arepas are typically made from corn flour that has not been nixtamalized.

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Herbst, Sharon, Food Lover's Companion, Third Edition, Pg. 165, Barrons Educational Series Inc, 2001
  2. "Maize Flour: A Timeless Staple Rooted in History". 10on10foods.com. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  3. Schlette, Jennifer (2021-10-26). "What's the Difference Between Corn Flour and Cornmeal? Solved". Kitchen Substitute. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  4. "Difference Between Cornmeal and Corn Flour". Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  5. "It's Easy to Make Your Own Tortillas With Masa Harina". The Spruce Eats. Retrieved 2022-05-04.