Polenta is flour milled from whole corn. It is also called cornmeal. It varies from pale to bright yellow.

Polenta is ground into different grades, ranging from coarse to fine.

 Coarse polenta is used for Italian dishes. It is boiled into a soft, porridge-like mixture and served instead of rice, pasta or potatoes. Soft polenta can also be cooled in a tray until it sets firmly, then cut into shapes and grilled, baked or fried.

 Fine polenta is usually used in bakery goods such as quick breads and cakes.