Cornbread is a quick bread in any number which contains corn meal and baking powder (leaving agent). Corn meal is prepared by dry grinding of corn grains. People enjoy Cornbread as a food due to its aroma and texture. Cornbread may be fried or baked or steamed (very rarely).
History
American natives used ground maize (corn) for the purpose of making food for thousand years. Cornbread is very common in United States cuisine mainly in southern region. It is also called as the “cornerstone” of southern region of United States cuisine.
Ingredients and preparation
Cornbread contains corn meal, wheat flour, milk/buttermilk, eggs, sugar, salt and leavening agent.
Types of cornbread
1. Baked cornbread
2. Corn pone- also called as Indian pone which is prepared from thick corn meal dough without milk and eggs.
3. Hot water cornbread – also called as scald meal cornbread
4. Johnnycakes
5. Hushpuppies
Health and Nutrition Facts
Serving size – 1 piece (65g)
Approximate Values per serving (Calories - 173 cal, Fat – 5 g, Carbohydrates – 28 g, Protein – 4 g, Saturated Fat – 1 gm, Cholesterol – 26 mg, Sodium – 428 mg, calcium – 44 mg, phosphorus – 226 mg, iron - 1.14 mg, zinc – 0.38 mg, copper – 0.037 mg, manganese – 0.113 mg)
Health benefits of cornbread
1. Vision protection – Researchers have found that corn products (mainly corn meal and cornbread) generally have high amount of antioxidants (carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and lutein) which can be easily absorbed in body. Lutein and zeaxanthin which are present in the macula of eye, protect eyes from any damage by absorbing blue light (blue light is most damaging light for eyes); and help in preventing degeneration of eye muscles. Cornbread also contains vitamin-A which is very important for perfect vision.
2. Strengthening of Bones and Teeth – Cornbread contains calcium (44 mg) and phosphorus (226 mg). Calcium and phosphorus work together for building and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus also helps in filtering waste from kidneys and maintains a balance of other vital minerals such as zinc and magnesium.
3. Provide Trace Minerals – cornbread supplies appreciable quantities of trace minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Iron is required for oxygen transport through blood inside the body. Zinc helps in healing of wounds. Copper is essential for the production of RBC’s. Mangnese helps in the formation of superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant) which in turn acts as a scavenger for free radicals.
