How to Mix Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is thin when hot and thick at room temperature.

Corn syrup comes in many forms and levels of sweetness. The industrial-refining process that high-fructose corn syrup goes through results in 42-percent corn syrup. Further refining of the 42-percent corn syrup results in 90-percent corn syrup. The 42- and 90-percent corn-syrup mixtures are blended to make 55-percent corn syrup for use in beverages and foods. As the percent rises, the corn syrup increases in fructose level and sweetness. Mix corn syrup to make it as sweet or mild as you want.

Things You'll Need

• 90-percent high-fructose corn syrup
• 42-percent high-fructose corn syrup
• Thermometer
• Measuring cups
• Heat-safe container
• 2 glass cups
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Glass or plastic-storage container with lid

Instructions

1. Fill the heat-safe container half full of water, and place it in the microwave for two minutes to heat the water. Take the temperature of the water with the thermometer. The temperature should be at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is not, place the water back in the microwave, and heat it until it reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Pour 2/3 cup of 42-percent high-fructose corn syrup into one glass, and pour 1/3 cup of 90-percent high-fructose corn syrup into the other glass. Place the glasses in the hot water, and let them sit for five minutes. This will result in a thinned corn syrup.

3. Pour the 42-percent high-fructose corn syrup and the 90-percent high-fructose corn syrup in the mixing bowl, and stir them with a spoon until the viscosity is consistent and there are no thick spots. This is now 55-percent high-fructose corn syrup.

4. Pour the finished corn syrup into the glass or plastic-storage container, and put the lid on tightly to eliminate air, and to keep the mixture from drying it out.

Tips & Warnings

• A heat-safe plastic-storage container that is at least 6 inches deep works best for heating the two glasses of liquid; however, you can use other containers.

• If you want to mix corn syrup into other ingredients, use the same method of heating the corn syrup until it is thin, and add it to the other ingredients.

References

• Sweet Scam: How It's Made, High Fructose Corn Syrup

Resources

• FoodReference.com: Corn Syrup