Cornstarch, sometimes referred to as corn flour, is a carbohydrate extracted from the endosperm of corn. This white powdery substance is used for many culinary, household, and industrial purposes. It was developed in 1844 in New Jersey and is produced today in corn-growing countries including the United States, China, Brazil, and India. In the kitchen, cornstarch is most often used as a thickening agent for marinades, sauces, gravies, glazes, soups, casseroles, pies, and other desserts. It's found in cuisines throughout the world, with North America and Asia leading both production and use.