How should corn be preserved

The key to preserving corn lies in controlling moisture and temperature, mainly through methods such as refrigeration, freezing, air drying, vacuum preservation, and cooking preservation.

1. refrigerated storage

Fresh corn with shells can be directly placed in the refrigerator compartment, with a temperature maintained at around 4 degrees Celsius, and can be stored for 3-5 days. When storing, keep 2-3 layers of outer skin and wrap it in a fresh-keeping bag to prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated storage can better preserve the original flavor of corn, but it should not be stored for too long, otherwise the sugar will gradually convert into starch and affect the taste.

2. Cryopreservation

Peel off the outer skin and whiskers of corn, wash it, blanch it for 2 minutes, let it cool, then put it in a sealed bag to remove air, and store it in the freezer for 8-12 months. Blanching before freezing can disrupt enzyme activity and prevent nutrient loss during the freezing process. When consumed, it can be cooked directly without thawing, and its taste is similar to fresh corn.

3. Air drying and storage

Old corn can be peeled off and hung in a ventilated place to air dry. After complete drying, it should be stored in a breathable cloth bag in a cool place, with a shelf life of up to 1 year. During the drying process, the moisture content of corn should be reduced to below 14%, and it should be regularly flipped to prevent mold growth. Soak for 12 hours before cooking, suitable for grinding cornmeal.

4. Vacuum preservation

After cooking or steaming corn kernels, they are cooled and sealed with a vacuum machine. They can be stored for 2 weeks in refrigeration and up to 6 months in freezing. A vacuum environment can effectively isolate oxygen, inhibit microbial growth, maintain the color and sweetness of corn, and is suitable for long-term storage of ready to eat corn kernels.

5. Boil and store

Fresh corn should be boiled, drained of water, cooled to room temperature, and stored in a sealed container. It can be refrigerated for 3 days. Adding a small amount of salt and sugar to the water during cooking can help lock in the sweetness, and check daily for signs of sourness during storage. Thoroughly heat before consuming again, suitable for short-term storage of ripe corn.

Different preservation methods are suitable for different consumption needs. It is recommended to prioritize refrigerated or frozen storage for fresh corn to preserve the best flavor. When storing in large quantities, it can be combined with air drying and vacuum preservation, and attention should be paid to regularly checking the condition of corn. Remove corn with insect eyes or mold before storage, and all containers must be clean and dry. Corn should not be mixed with strongly scented foods such as onions and garlic to avoid mixing flavors and affecting quality. Reasonable storage can maximize the preservation of the nutritional value of corn, including dietary fiber, lutein, and B vitamins.