Saednews: Removing and freezing corn is one of the best methods for storing corn for the long term. Various methods are commonly used for removing corn kernels. You can do this with a knife, wooden skewer, or other methods.
Saednews: According to the Saednews news agency, corn is one of the most beneficial types of food, often used to prepare various dishes, salads, and snacks. Since corn may not always be available year-round, the best method for long-term storage is freezing. But how do you store corn in the freezer? In the following, you can familiarize yourself with the steps for freezing corn.
Selecting the Right Corn
In the first step of removing and freezing corn, you need to select suitable corn. Typically, sweet summer corn is ideal for freezing. When purchasing, ensure the corn is heavy, and its husk is clean and free of spots.
To ensure your corn is of high quality, open a small section of the husk and check for any insects or insect eggs inside. Also, make sure the corn is free of mold or mildew.
Removing the Kernels
Removing the kernels from the cob is one of the most important steps in storing corn and should be done with care and attention. For this, you should remove the kernels starting from the lowest part of the cob. Below are some methods for removing corn kernels.
Removing Corn by Hand
One of the most common methods is to remove the kernels by hand. For this, you should press your hand down in rows to separate the kernels from the cob completely. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid squashing the kernels.
Removing Corn with a Knife
Another method is using a knife. Although this method is fast and easy, the kernels might get cut and slightly crushed. Start with a sharp, thin knife and gently run it down the cob to remove the kernels.
Using a Small Skewer to Remove the Kernels
In this method, after removing the husk, you place a small metal skewer vertically on the cob. Then, gently push the skewer forward, causing the kernels to detach in rows. This method ensures the kernels are neatly and safely removed.
Freezing the Corn
After removing the kernels, you should package them either raw or cooked. Then, dry the kernels and place them in a zip-lock bag before freezing. If the corn is wet, it will clump together once frozen, so it's better to drain the corn before placing it in the freezer.
Types of Freezing Corn Methods
You can freeze corn both raw and cooked. Here are the best ways to freeze corn, whether raw or cooked.
Freezing Raw Corn with Husk
Keeping corn with its husk in the fridge doesn't preserve it for long, so it should be consumed quickly or frozen using one of the methods. If you want to freeze the corn as a whole, it's best not to remove the husk. This keeps the corn fresh when frozen.
In this method, you can freeze raw corn for up to 10 days. Place the whole corn with husk into a freezer bag and seal it tightly, then place it in the freezer.
Best Method for Freezing Raw Kernels
In this method, remove the kernels using one of the previously mentioned methods. Then, wash the kernels and place them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Afterward, chill the kernels in ice water for 1 minute, drain them, and place them in a freezer bag for freezing.
This method, called "blanching," deactivates the enzymes in the corn, allowing it to stay fresher when frozen.
Freezing Cooked Corn on the Cob
For freezing cooked corn, place the whole cob in boiling water and let it cook. Add a spoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. After the corn softens, drain it and, once cooled, place it in a plastic bag and freeze it.
Freezing Cooked Corn Kernels
First, remove the kernels, then boil them. You can add some sugar and salt to the water to enhance the taste.
Freezing Steamed Corn
To steam corn, place a metal rack or tray above a pot of boiling water. Place the corn on top of the steam, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. The corn will cook using the steam. After 15 minutes, remove the corn from the steam and let it cool. Once cooled, place the kernels in a plastic bag and freeze.
Tips for Removing and Freezing Corn
Adding salt while cooking corn can cause the kernels to harden. Use less salt and some sugar to cook the corn gently.
Overcooking corn makes it tough.
When purchasing corn, avoid cobs with brown holes, as they are usually spoiled.
Dry or blackened tassels indicate old and poor-quality corn.
For long-term storage, try using fresh corn from late summer or early fall.
Never cook the corn before removing the kernels, as this will crush the cob and release its juice.
Learning how to remove and store corn properly will help you keep the kernels in better quality for long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store corn on the cob with husk?
If you plan to freeze the corn whole, it's best to leave the husk on. This ensures better quality after freezing. Raw corn can be stored in the freezer for up to 10 days.
What’s the best way to remove corn kernels?
You can remove kernels by hand, with a metal skewer, or with a knife.
In which freezing method does the corn get crushed?
Using a knife to remove the kernels can cause a significant amount of corn to get crushed.
