Corn pasta is made out of whole grain noodles, and it is an alternative for individuals looking for a gluten-free food. Some companies combine this grain with others, such as wheat, so it is important that you read ingredient labels carefully in order to ensure that the pasta is purely made with corn. These kinds of noodles can either be yellow or white in color, and the variety that you choose ultimately depends on the type of corn that you prefer. Quality corn pasta should also not be overly mushy after cooking. Another consideration is the shapes of noodles that you choose because certain styles pair best with specific dishes.
Non-wheat pasta is the best choice of noodles if you are on a gluten-free diet. People with Celiac disease cannot tolerate the protein gluten, which is found in traditional wheat pasta. Corn is a natural whole grain that does not contain gluten, and some pasta manufacturers make their noodles solely from the stone ground kernels of this vegetable.
When choosing between brands of corn pasta, you must read the ingredient labels carefully in order to ensure that a particular product does not contain any gluten. Certain packages have traces of wheat, while other brands of corn pasta actually utilize both ingredients during processing. Whole and enriched wheat-based pasta noodles are a mainstay in most regions, so it might not be as easy to locate corn versions. Generally, you can find whole corn pasta online, as well as in specialty food stores.
One feature of corn pasta is its color, which ranges from white to various shades of yellow. The color of the noodles is not necessarily indicative of the quality, but it does give you an idea of from which kinds of corn that the pasta is made. If you generally prefer sweet white corn, then you might consider purchasing these types of pasta noodles. Dent is one of the most common types of corn, so you will likely find that the majority of this kind of yellow pasta is derived from these particular kernels.
The texture of corn noodles is more fragile than traditional wheat versions, so it is vital that you look for quality pasta that will not become mushy after you boil it. Most quality brands of corn pasta will state directly on the labels that the noodles will hold their texture after cooking. If you are not sure about a certain brand, consider boiling a small portion in advance to see how the noodles break down.
It is important to determine the meal for which you need the corn pasta before purchase, because different noodle shapes pair best with certain foods. Basic tomato-based sauces go well with spaghetti, angel hair, and linguine, while you can utilize penne, rotini, and ziti non-wheat noodles for rich, creamier dishes. Smaller pasta noodles, such as anellini, ditalini, and orzo are among the most appropriate choices for soups and salads.
