Best Way To Keep Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a staple dish for many people, especially during the summer season. It's a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be roasted, boiled, grilled or even microwaved. However, keeping corn on the cob fresh and tasty can be a challenge. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to keep corn on the cob fresh and ready to eat.
Buying Fresh Corn on the Cob
The first step in keeping corn on the cob fresh is to buy it fresh. When shopping for corn, look for ears that have bright green husks, moist silky threads, and plump, milky kernels that are tightly packed. Avoid ears that have dry or brown husks, discolored kernels or gaps between rows of kernels. The size of the ears doesn't matter, but they should feel heavy for their size.
Storing Corn on the Cob in the Fridge
If you're not planning to eat the corn within a day or two after buying it, it's essential to store it properly to keep it fresh. The best way to keep corn on the cob fresh is by storing it in the fridge.
First, remove the husks and silk from the corn. Then, wrap each ear in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.
Corn can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure to keep it away from other fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, which can cause the corn to ripen too quickly and spoil.
Freezing Corn on the Cob
If you have too much corn and cannot eat it within a week, you can freeze it to preserve it for later use. Freezing corn on the cob is easy and straightforward.
First, blanch the corn by boiling it for 4-5 minutes. Then, immediately transfer the corn to a bowl of ice water for 4-5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain the corn and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date and number of ears of corn. The frozen corn on the cob can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
Grilling Corn on the Cob
Grilling corn on the cob is a favorite summer activity for many people. Grilling corn can be done by wrapping it in foil or grilling it directly on the grill.
To grill corn, start by soaking the ears in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the husks from burning on the grill. Then, pull back the husks and remove the silk. Spread butter or olive oil over the kernels and season with salt and pepper. Pull the husks back over the corn and tie them with twine.
Place the ears of corn on a hot grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. The corn is done when the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
Microwaving Corn on the Cob
Microwaving corn on the cob is a quick and simple way to prepare it without heating up the kitchen. To microwave corn, leave the husks and silk on the ear of corn, but remove the outermost layer of husk.
Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Then, remove the corn from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before peeling off the husks and silk. Be careful as the corn and plate will be very hot.
In Conclusion
There you have it, the best ways to keep corn on the cob fresh and ready to eat. Whether you choose to store it in the fridge, freeze it, grill it or microwave it, corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With these tips, you can be sure your corn on the cob will always be fresh and tasty.