Ingredient list

Corn, also known as maize, is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, originally from Central America. In the kitchen it is used in countless ways, fresh, boiled or grilled on the cob, canned, frozen, dried, or processed into flour, grits, or starch. It has a naturally sweet, mild flavour and a distinctive bright yellow colour. Corn features in soups, salads, side dishes, baked goods, and sweet desserts. It is a source of dietary fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, and the antioxidant lutein. From Mexican tortillas to American cornbread, it plays a fundamental role in many world cuisines.

Corn cakes are light, crispy slices made from corn flour, popular especially as a gluten-free alternative to traditional bread. They have a neutral to mildly sweet flavour, making them a great base for both sweet and savoury spreads, vegetables, or slices of cheese. They are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for coeliacs and those reducing their wheat intake. Thanks to their low calorie content, they are also favoured by people following a healthy lifestyle. You can find them in health food stores and regular supermarkets alike.

Corn flakes are a popular cereal made from corn flour or grits, pressed and baked into thin, crispy flakes. They are most commonly eaten as a breakfast cereal with milk or yoghurt, but also work well in desserts, as a crunchy coating, or mixed into granola. They can be sweetened, salted, or flavoured in a variety of ways. Originally developed by the Kellogg brothers in the late 19th century, they have since become one of the most widespread breakfast foods in the world. They are a source of carbohydrates and, in fortified varieties, B vitamins as well.

Corn flour is a finely ground product made from dried corn kernels. Unlike wheat flour, it contains no gluten, making it a popular ingredient in gluten-free cooking. It is used to prepare tortillas, corn bread, pancakes, cakes, and as a thickener for soups and sauces. It has a mildly sweet, distinctive flavour and a golden yellow colour that gives dishes a typical appearance. In Latin American and Mexican cuisine, it is absolutely indispensable. Store in a dry and cool place, preferably in a sealed container.

Corn porridge is a traditional dish made by cooking cornmeal or corn flour in water, milk, or broth until thick and creamy. The most famous version is Italian polenta, but similar dishes are popular across the Balkans, in Romania as mămăligă, and in the American South as grits. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and can be served warm as a side dish enriched with butter and cheese, or cooled, sliced, and pan-fried until crispy. Corn porridge is naturally gluten-free and easy to digest, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and a versatile base for both savoury and sweet toppings.

Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener produced by the enzymatic breakdown of cornstarch. It has a mildly sweet flavour and a thick, clear consistency. It is used in confections, ice cream, baking and sauces, where it prevents sugar crystallisation and maintains a smooth texture. Unlike honey, it does not crystallise. In American cuisine, it is a key ingredient in pecan pie. It is available in light and dark varieties. Store at room temperature.

Cornmeal is a coarsely ground product made from dried corn, widely used in cooking as a base for porridges, pastas, and baked goods. In Italy it is the foundation of traditional polenta, while in the American South it is used to make cornbread and hush puppies. It is also excellent for coating fried foods, where it creates a crispy golden crust. Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, making it a popular alternative to wheat-based products in gluten-free cooking. It has a golden-yellow colour, a mildly sweet flavour, and a slightly coarse texture. It is available in fine, medium, and coarse grinds to suit different recipes.

Cornstarch is a fine white powder derived from the endosperm of corn kernels. In the kitchen, it is used primarily as a thickener for sauces, soups, puddings, and fruit fillings. Unlike flour, it creates a clear, glossy thickening that is particularly well suited to Asian sauces and sweet glazes. It is gluten-free and therefore widely used in gluten-free baking as part of a wheat flour substitute. Thanks to its fineness, it is also added to doughs to achieve a more tender texture in biscuits and cakes. Always mix it with cold water before use to prevent lumps from forming.

Cottage cheese is a fresh curd cheese with a characteristic grainy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is made from skimmed cow's milk, giving it a low fat content and high protein content, which makes it popular in fitness and weight-loss diets. It is served with fruit, vegetables or herbs as a light breakfast or snack. In the kitchen, it can be used as a substitute for quark in cake fillings, pastries or savoury dips. It also works well in pasta dishes and baked meals. Its neutral flavour allows it to easily absorb the aroma of other ingredients.

Country seasoning is an aromatic spice blend typically used for grilling and roasting meat, especially chicken, pork, or lamb. The exact composition varies by brand, but it generally contains paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and dried herbs. This spice mix has its roots in American cuisine and evokes a rustic, countryside style of cooking. It is suitable for marinating meat, flavoring sauces, and as a seasoning for vegetables. Thanks to its balanced composition, it gives dishes a full, aromatic flavor without excessive heat.

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from durum wheat semolina. It consists of tiny granules that can be prepared very quickly, simply pour boiling water or broth over them and let them rest for a few minutes. The flavor is mild and neutral, which makes it excellent at absorbing the aromas of spices and other ingredients. It is used as a side dish for meat and vegetables, but also works well in cold salads or soups. In Moroccan tagines and tabbouleh-style dishes it is absolutely essential. The wholegrain version has a more pronounced nutty flavor and a higher fiber content. Couscous is valued for its quick preparation and versatility in the kitchen.