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Ever since the introduction of food extrusion technology, manufacturers have continued to explore new ways of processing ready-to-eat foods. One of the most astonishing innovations was the discovery of corn flakes in the late 19th century. Corn flakes, a cereal product manufactured through the treatment of corn, is currently the most popular breakfast meal not only in India but also worldwide. 

Today, corn flakes are manufactured via the food extrusion technology. This process involves a series of well-designed procedures that produce finished and nutritious end products – the corn flakes. Corn flakes are rich in vitamins, proteins, iron, fats, lipids and vital enzymes. In addition corn flakes prevent constipation, cancer and colon infections. In principle, corn flakes are important for hale and hearty growth.

1. What are Breakfast corn flakes? 

corn-flakes-in-the-bowl

corn-flakes-in-the-bowl

As previously mentioned, corn flakes are produced from treated corn through an elaborate procedure that will be discussed later in this article. This special type of breakfast cereal is usually packaged in different varieties of brands which are available in most commercial food stores. Corn flakes are usually mixed with milk or water before eating. Sometimes, corn flakes can be taken cold or else mixed with fruit juices, coffee or tea for better taste and nutrition. However, boiled cornflakes are highly palatable. Also, sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey and sugar can be added for better nourishment. In most countries, Breakfast cereals especially corn flakes have become greatly popular as they provide vibrant nutrients in a reasonable and efficient manner.

2.How corn flakes are manufactured

Corn flakes are usually manufactured using a special type of machine known as a corn flake extruding machine. Initially, the manufacturing process involved three main stages; cooking, flaking and toasting. However, the process has since been modified to incorporate extrusion before flaking. 

In the prior stages, corn is cooked in syrup that contains sugar, water, malt syrup, ferrous sulfate, salt and corn syrup. However, before the addition of the syrup, a food-based alkali medium is supplemented to corn. The alkali medium helps to regulate the PH of the mixture during cooking. Cooking process usually takes place inside a pressure cooker. This process is followed by drying to moisture between 16-23% although this may depend on the manufacturer. Drying helps in increasing the shelf life of the final product. Later, the corn is hardened at a higher temperature preferably between 20°C-50°C. This process can take between 2 to 24 hours depending on the type of corn flakes being manufactured. After hardening, the temperature is then elevated to about 121°C to facilitate pasteurization. The cooked corn is then flaked to a specific bulk density. Lastly, the flaked corns are toasted to produce corn flakes. 

3.Why invest in Corn flakes?

According to a research study conducted by Purdue University, Corn flakes manufactured from milled corn contain a variety of useful nutrients which are listed below.

Source of Iron and Vitamins. Cornflakes contain plenty of iron and vitamin contents including vitamin A, B, C, D and E which are vital for healthy growth. In addition, corn flakes are high in iron content which is an important component of blood. More so, iron helps to keep the brain alert and healthy. Nowadays, cornflakes manufacturers have replenished nutritional contents of corn with additives such as honey, raisins, almonds and many more products. These additives have upgraded the nutritional values of modern cornflakes.  

Low sugar and calorie contents. Unlike most other cereals used for breakfast, corn flakes are high in vitamins yet low in sugar and calorie contents. This breakfast cereal product is suitable for every person who cares about maintaining healthy body weight. Since corn flakes are low in cholesterol, they also reduce predisposition to cardiovascular and diabetes infections.

Rich source of Thiamine. Corn flakes are also rich in thiamine. Thiamine is important for production of energy, metabolism of carbohydrates and cognitive functions. 

Source of folic acid. Folate, also known as folic acid, is an important component for formation of new cells. It is also vital for preventing colon cancer, birth defects as well as heart diseases.

Corn flakes are good for growing children. Frosted corn flakes contain vital growth minerals and nutrients such as calcium, amino acids and sugars. These nutrients are important for healthy growing children. 

Corn flakes are good accompaniment for milk and coffee. Milk contains a variety of healthy proteins which are essential for robust growth and development. Proteins are important for manufacture of antibodies which are vital for resisting infection. More importantly, proteins promote growth, repair of tissues as well as regulation of hormones and enzymes. 

Source of riboflavin and niacin. For vegetarians, corn flakes are the main sources of vitamin B12. Niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B12 are important for robust health.

Source of Useful carotenoids. Corn has a vital carotenoid known as beta-cryptoxanthin. This carotenoid helps to prevents lung cancer. In addition, corn flakes can be helpful for people with renal issues. 

Source of Lutein. It is now known that lutein is an essential nutrient for the health of the eye. Since this nutrient cannot be produced by the body, corn is necessary for its synthesis. 

It is also important to note that there are other culinary uses of corn flakes. The following are some these culinary uses;

Most manufacturers use corn flakes as a constituent for some special types of cookies. 

Corn flakes can also be added to pudding as flavor enhancers. Some of these flavor enhanced corns include apple, strawberry, honey and peanut butter corn flakes.

In most cases, crushed corn flakes are used as alternatives for breadcrumbs.

There are special types of corn flakes with advanced ingredients that promote better palatability and nourishment. An example of such variety is Chivda which has low fat contents. 

Corn flakes – Research Intelligence

According to an Australian survey, kids who consumed ready-to-eat cereals (corn flakes, oats, etc.) showed less signs of obesity unlike those who ate other types of breakfast. In basic sense, cereal eaters tend to have a lower BMI unlike non-cereal counterparts. 

The Australian survey further reported that children who missed breakfast were more likely to become overweight unlike those who went without breakfast. For healthy growth among children and adults, experts recommend a cupful of cereals soaked with a glass of milk.

It is also within the range of discussion to appreciate the role of a corn flakes machine in the production of top-grade corn flakes. More specifically, the twin-screw extruder which manufactures corn flakes from grain. 

Learn More About Food Extruder Today

1 Comment
  1. Reynold Ascencio

    We need a small line to produce normal and frosted corn flakes in The Dominican Republic

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