Best Way To Keep Sweet Corn Fresh
Summer is here and what's better than enjoying fresh sweet corn on the cob for dinner? Sweet corn is delicious and full of nutrients, but its sweetness and juiciness can turn quickly into starchiness and dryness if not stored properly. In this article, we will talk about the best way to keep sweet corn fresh for longer, so you can enjoy it at its best.
How to Choose Fresh Sweet Corn
The first step to keeping sweet corn fresh is to choose fresh ones at the store. Here are some tips to help you:
- Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the ears. The husks should be free of slimy spots or mold.
- Peel back a little bit of the husk and check the kernels. They should be plump, tightly packed, and milky. Avoid ears with wrinkled, dented, or discolored kernels.
- If possible, taste a kernel. It should be sweet and juicy, not starchy or tough.
Once you have selected your sweet corn, it's time to store it properly.
How to Store Sweet Corn
The key to keeping sweet corn fresh is to eat it as soon as possible, ideally on the same day of purchase. However, if you need to store it for a few days, here are some methods you can use:
- Refrigeration: If you have space in your fridge, you can store sweet corn in the crisper drawer, unpeeled and uncooked. Keep it wrapped in a damp paper towel or plastic bag to prevent moisture loss. Sweet corn can last up to 5 days in the fridge, but its quality may decline over time.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of sweet corn and want to preserve it for longer, you can freeze it. The best way is to blanch the ears in boiling water for 4-6 minutes, then cool them in an ice bath, and drain and dry them. Wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap or foil and put them in a freezer bag. Sweet corn can last in the freezer for up to 8 months.
- Canning: If you are into canning, you can also can sweet corn. However, this requires some equipment and skills, so make sure you follow a trusted recipe and procedure.
How to Cook Sweet Corn
Now that you know how to choose and store sweet corn, it's time to cook it. Here are some popular methods:
- Boiling: This is the classic way of cooking sweet corn. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the husked and cleaned ears, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Drain and serve with butter and salt.
- Grilling: Grilled sweet corn is a summertime favorite. Brush the ears with oil or butter, season with salt and pepper, and grill them on high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and juicy. Serve with lime juice, chili powder, or Parmesan cheese.
- Microwaving: If you want a quick and easy way of cooking sweet corn, you can microwave it. Place the unpeeled ears in a microwave-safe dish, add a few tablespoons of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Let them cool for a minute, then peel and serve.
Conclusion
Sweet corn is a tasty and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways. To keep it fresh, choose bright green and plump ears, and store them in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible. When it's time to cook, try boiling, grilling, or microwaving, and add your favorite seasonings. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy sweet corn at its best all summer long.