Corn syrup is a kind of syrup that is prepared with the maize starch and mainly includes glucose. The syrup is often called ‘glucose syrup’. Though, a sweet ingredient that is added in various foods, but it is quite different from the High Fructose syrup.

The process of making the syrup is highly commercial. Formerly, it was prepared by diluting the hydrochloric acid and combining it with corn starch. The mixture is then heated to form the actual syrup. At present the production of the syrup is done by adding an enzyme called ‘amylase’ is added to the combination of corn starch and water. The process is quite lengthy and involves various stages. The production of this syrup is usually done commercially as it is very difficult to produce it at home. However, light syrup can be prepared at home that can be used as a substitute for corn syrup.

Glazed apple, condensed milk chocolate chip cookies and toffee butter crunch are some of the few corn syrup recipes that gets the sweet taste with the syrup included.

History of Corn Syrup Recipes
Corn syrup has been used to make several sweet delights since early 1900’s. High fructose corn starch is quite controversial since the time of its introduction, but this maize syrup is popular for its natural sweet taste.

The history of the syrup dates back to the time when corn was refined as a food item during the US civil war. Corn starch was the only product that was prepared at that time, but mid 1800’s was the time when manufacturers have been introduced with the process of extracting sweetness from the starch, hence syrup of corn was introduced as a sweet ingredient.

Culinary Uses of Corn Syrup

Being a sweet ingredient, corn syrup is regularly used in making candies, toffees, cakes and desserts. The gooey texture of the syrup after being cooked makes it a favorable sweetener in candies. Usually, this syrup is added to the food stuffs in order to provide taste and sweetness. However, it is also a great source to increase the volume of the stuff as well as to keep the texture soft. Unlike sugar, this syrup remains soft after even being cooked.

The best and the most popular use of the product is its addition to the canned foods. Fruits are highly benefited with this syrup while canning. Sweet beverages and ice creams are commercially prepared with corn syrup. Among other corn syrup recipes; jams, jellies and sweet sauces are also included.

Due to the ease of use, this sweet syrup is often used in making various baked products such as caked, cookies and even pies. Pecan pie is the most popular dish prepared with this sweet syrup.

Typically, corn syrup recipes are less sweet as compared to sugar recipes and also include a nice flavor.

Cuisines Commonly Making Corn Syrup Recipes

Corn syrup is widely used in sweet food products manufactured in United States of America. In America, corn syrup recipes are highly inexpensive than sugar recipes, hence the syrup is largely used in making commercial as well as mass food. ‘Karo’ is the most popular syrup of corn sold in America. It is a thick kind of black syrup that is mainly used in making baked products and beverages.

In Asian cuisine as well corn syrup recipes are highly popular due to the mild sweet taste and mainly the syrup is added in sweet and sour sauces.

Methods of Making Corn Syrup Recipes

Corn syrup recipes include the following methods:

• Glazed – The syrup is commonly used to make glazed fruit dishes.
• Canned – Fruits are widely canned with the syrup of corn instead of sugar syrup. This type of recipes is beneficial as compared to sugar.
• Baked – Baked dishes are sweetened with the syrup if mild sweetness is required.

Buying and Storing of Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is either bottled or canned commercially and sold in grocery stores. ‘Karo’ is one of the most popular syrup brands in America that contains preservatives and even artificial flavorings. It is recommended to buy the natural corn syrup rather than purchasing High Fructose syrup.

Corn syrup recipes as well as packed corn syrup can be stored in refrigerator. Though it’s not a highly perishable item, but corn syrup recipes such as cakes and beverages can be soiled if kept in room temperature.

Types of Corn syrup

• High Fructose corn syrup – This is a highly controversial type of the syrup as it is considered as sweet as sugar and responsible for ailments like obesity and diabetes. This variety is sweeter than regular syrup.
• Light syrup – This variety is often known as white syrup owing to its clear white appearance. It has mild sweet taste and usually includes vanilla flavor that is favorable in jams and jellies. Light syrup does not crystallize when cold.
• Dark Syrup – The dark color of the syrup is the result of the caramalisation and addition of a kind of molasses. This variety is usually added to several baked goods in order to provide moisture along with sweetness.

Health Facts Related to Corn Syrup Recipes

Corn syrup is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It also contains folate and dietary fibers. Even carbohydrates and protein are also included in the corn syrup recipes.

HFCS is regarded a highly calorific product due to the presence of high fructose and glucose.