SMART SHOPPING: POLENTA
Buying polenta can be confusing. Not only are there several different types of polenta widely available at the market—traditional, instant, and precooked—but they all are simply labeled “polenta.” Here’s how to tell them apart. The real deal (left) is labeled as either “polenta” or “traditional polenta,” and it is nothing more than a package of coarse-ground cornmeal with a very even grind and no small floury bits; it is often sold in clear bags so you can inspect it. Don’t be tempted to buy coarse-grain cornmeal without the term “polenta” clearly listed on the package, as it often includes a portion of fine, floury bits that will make the polenta taste gluey. Instant polenta (center) and precooked tubes of polenta (right) are parcooked convenience products that have short Cooking Times (much like instant rice). Precooked polenta is easy to spot thanks to its tubelike packaging. Instant polenta, on the other hand, can look just like traditional polenta at the store and is identifiable only by the word “instant” in its title (which can be slightly hidden, in our experience).