How are corn kernels made

Corn kernels are usually peeled off from corn stalks manually or mechanically. The main methods for obtaining corn kernels include manual peeling, mechanical threshing, peeling after boiling, peeling after freezing, and peeling after drying.

1. Manual peeling

Manual peeling is the most traditional method and is suitable for processing small amounts of corn. Stand the corn cob upright and fix it, use a knife to longitudinally cut the surface along the direction of the corn kernels, and then use your thumb or tool to push the corn kernels down from the corn cob. This method can keep the corn kernels intact, but it is less efficient and suitable for small household use. When manually peeling, attention should be paid to the strength to avoid damaging the corn kernels or scratching the fingers.

2. Mechanical Threshing

Mechanical threshing is the main method of large-scale production, which quickly separates corn kernels from corn cobs through a corn thresher. The threshing machine has a rotating drum and screen inside, which use centrifugal force and friction to make the corn kernels fall off. Mechanical threshing has high efficiency and can process a large amount of corn per hour, but it may cause some corn kernels to be damaged. Commercial threshers can adjust the threshing intensity according to demand and are suitable for corn varieties with different hardness.

3. Peel off after boiling.

Put the entire corn cob into boiling water and boil for a few minutes to soften the connecting tissue between the corn kernels and corn cobs. After being removed and cooled slightly, the corn kernels can be easily peeled off by hand or with tools. This method of peeling off corn kernels has good integrity and is suitable for subsequent production of corn salad or canned food processing. The boiling time should not be too long, otherwise the corn kernels will become too soft and affect the taste.

4. Peel off after freezing

Place fresh corn cob in the freezer for several hours. Low temperature will make the connection between corn kernels and corn cobs brittle. After taking it out, warm it up slightly and use tools to tap or squeeze the corn cob, which will make the corn kernels more likely to fall off. Freezing method can maintain the freshness of corn and is suitable for situations that require long-term storage. Frozen corn kernels can be directly used for cooking without thawing.

5. Peel off after drying

Place the corn cob in a drying device and circulate hot air to reduce the moisture content of the corn kernels, loosening the connection between the corn kernels and corn cobs. The dried corn cob can be mechanically vibrated or knocked to make the corn kernels fall off. This method is commonly used in industrial processing, and the threshed corn kernels have low moisture content, making them easy to store and transport for a long time. The drying temperature should be controlled within an appropriate range to avoid nutrient loss. Corn kernels are rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, making them a good choice for a healthy diet. For daily consumption, fresh or frozen corn kernels can be chosen to avoid excessive consumption of processed corn products that are high in salt and sugar. Corn kernels can be used to cook Congee, stir fry vegetables or make salads, and can be paired with other vegetables and fruits to improve nutritional value. When storing corn kernels, they should be sealed and moisture-proof. Freezing storage can extend the shelf life. Special populations such as those with weak gastrointestinal function should consume in moderation to avoid excessive intake of crude fiber at once.