Lesson No. 6 - "Cornmeal and its use in gastronomy - characteristics and purpose"

2023-07-11
Lesson No. 6 - "Cornmeal and its use in gastronomy - characteristics and purpose"

In an era of growing awareness and concern for our environment, as well as the increasing amount of plastic waste in the seas and oceans, discovering eco-friendly alternatives has become vital. These include products made of paper, bamboo or the hero of our entry - cornmeal, which is proving to have amazing possibilities. In addition to being an accessory in the kitchen, it also has a much broader application - it perfectly stores and transports our food, and contributes to the preservation of our planet as a material for creating eco-friendly dishes. Would you like to learn more about this inconspicuous ingredient that has such tremendous uses and impact on our sustainable future? Come on in!

 

Cornmeal - what is it?

Cornmeal is an unusual and completely biodegradable raw material. It is used to create PLA material, a fully biodegradable polymer, as it has the remarkable ability to not dissolve when it comes into contact with moisture. That's why it works extremely well as a material for making eco-friendly cutlery, dishes and containers or cups for cold drinks.

Articles made of cornmeal are not only practical and convenient to use, but are also a conscious choice for environmental protection, allowing us to enjoy delicious food and drinks without harming the planet or littering its surface. Why? Dishes made of this material are industrially biodegradable, leaving no trace like disposable plastic products.

The PLA Green Tree 450 ml mug is a great replacement for classic plastic options for everyone, without exception! Bars, food trucks, households at parties and social gatherings, as well as school and office buffets can benefit from this eco-friendly option.

 

 

Cornmeal - not only a material, but also an important ingredient in catering!

In its pure form, cornmeal is an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen that offers a wide range of applications, as its thickening properties make it ideal for sweetening and thickening dishes - soups, stews and sauces that you want to give a creamier texture. But that's not all, as cornmeal is also ideal for preparing gluten-free baked goods, as it gives them a fluffy and moist form. It's a reliable treasure that manifests itself in catering, both in the form of eco-friendly dishes and delicious meals!

The PLA container with a 250 ml lid is perfect for carrying non-heated food - salads or sandwiches, both in restaurants serving take-out food and offices with their own buffets.

 

 

Cornmeal as an alternative to plastic - is it a good solution?

With the ever-increasing threat of the climate crisis, environmental and air pollution, or soil and groundwater absorption of microplastic particles, cornmeal is emerging as a fascinating alternative to traditional, disposable options. Why invest in utensils made of this raw material? First of all, they are environmentally friendly and, if given the right conditions, will decompose into organic compounds! This means that they do not leave a permanent footprint on the planet. By choosing, among other things, cups made of cornmeal, we actively contribute to improving the environment by eliminating the burden of plastic waste.

Cornmeal as a material for disposable utensils has numerous benefits for both us and the planet. In addition to being biodegradable, they also guarantee safety for our health, as they do not emit toxic substances when they come into contact with hot liquids. Thanks to them, we can enjoy our favorite drinks in peace, while being sure that we are not harming the environment with our actions.

 

How to recognize products made of cornmeal, or PLA?

Eco-friendly dishes made of cornmeal, due to their transparent appearance and gloss, are deceptively similar to traditional plastic, but we can easily recognize them by the appropriate symbols. This is because PLA material is included in the "7 Others" group, and such a designation also appears on all products made from it. It is related to the implementation of the Plastics Directive, which requires clear labeling of such products - but you should not worry, because cornmeal is completely of natural origin and with proper disposal does not leave a trace in nature.

PLA 250 cocktail forks are an eco-friendly option for all catering companies, caterers and those who, when planning a party, want to remain environmentally friendly even in such a small detail.

 

 

What is the process of production of eco-friendly dishes?

The process of creating dishes from cornmeal is based on an innovative technology using a biodegradable polymer called PLA, which transforms the meal into eco-friendly cups and other products through a fermentation process. But how exactly does this transformation take place?

The whole process starts with plant raw materials, such as corn - after it is properly wet-milled, the starch is separated and then mixed with lactic acid and heated, so it is transformed into dextrose, or corn sugar. However, this is not the end! The most important moment comes with the fermentation of glucose, leading to the formation of L-lactic acid, which is the main component of PLA, which is the basis for the production of organic cornmealdishes. In addition, the entire production uses as much as 70% less energy than the traditional production of classic plastic.

 

Where can we use them?

Cornmeal utensils are a versatile solution that can be used in the form of cups, trays or ecological takeaway packaging in a variety of places and situations - at picnics, festivals, cafes, bars and restaurants, adding an ecological flair to any gastronomic scene. They are lightweight, durable and stylish, so their presence will not at all diminish the comfort of the customers of the restaurant or outdoor event. What's more, the difference between products made of PLA and traditional ones made of plastic will be unnoticeable!

Biodegradable PLA 50-piece commercials are an alternative to disposable options that both restaurants and cafes, as well as local neighborhood stores, grocery stores or independent convenience stores can introduce into their business.

 

 

Cornmeal cookware - take care of the environment with SlowPack wholesaler

When you choose cornmeal cookware, first of all you show concern and responsibility for our planet, but you also get high quality and attractive prices. As a  eco-friendlywholesaler with environmentally friendly catering solutions, SlowPack provides top-notch products that meet the criteria of quality and comfort during use. With them, you can satisfy both your customers, who appreciate the ecological approach, and develop the success of your establishment!

Want to learn more about eco-friendly alternatives for your business? Visit our blog and take a look at SlowPack today!

 

See other posts:

Energy efficiency at home - what steps to take to reduce energy consumption in daily life?

Public environmental awareness and alternatives to plastic - what options do we have?

Corporate social responsibility, or an attitude for positive change - examples, importance and benefits

What climate changes can be observed in Poland, Europe and around the world? What are the nagging climate problems?

Environmental certifications that are worth knowing - why? A few words of explanation

Climate change - causes and effects, or what human activity can lead to, and more!

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