How to store fresh corn for the longest time

The longest way to preserve fresh corn is by freezing. There are five main methods for storage: direct freezing with a shell, freezing after cooking, vacuum sealed freezing, short-term refrigeration, and drying in a cool and ventilated place.

1. Direct freezing with shell

Keep the corn husk and whiskers, wrap them with plastic wrap, and put them in a sealed bag for freezing. The outer skin can reduce water loss and can be stored for more than 6 months by freezing. When consumed, there is no need to thaw, steaming directly can maintain sweetness. Pay attention to checking whether the corn has insect eyes or mold before freezing.

2. After cooking, freeze

After cooking corn, let it cool and use kitchen paper to absorb the moisture. Wrap each individual with cling film and freeze it. The cooking process can inactivate enzyme activity and avoid a deterioration in taste after freezing. The corn preserved by this method can be directly microwave heated for consumption, suitable for making salads or side dishes, and has a shelf life of about 4 months.

3. Vacuum sealed freezing

After peeling off the corn kernels, vacuum sealed freezing can isolate oxygen to the maximum extent. The vacuum state can prevent ice crystals from damaging the cell structure, and the particle fullness is better after thawing. Suitable for Fried Rice or soup ingredients, with a shelf life of up to 8 months. Please ensure that the corn kernels are completely dry before vacuuming.

4. Short term refrigerated storage

Corn with shells should be wrapped in a wet towel and placed in the refrigerator compartment, with the temperature controlled at around 4 ℃. This method can maintain freshness within a week and is suitable for consumption in the near future. Be careful not to clean the casing, as a humid environment can accelerate mold growth. Check daily for any fermentation odor during refrigeration.

5. Dry in a cool and ventilated place

Hang corn with shells in a dry and ventilated place to air dry naturally, and store it when the moisture content is below 15%. Traditional methods can store for more than 3 months, but the sweetness and taste may decrease. Suitable for making corn cob or feed, it needs to be soaked and rehydrated for a long time before consumption. Fresh corn is rich in vitamin B and dietary fiber, and the freezing process can cause some water-soluble vitamins to be lost. It is recommended to choose the storage method according to the consumption plan. Prioritize refrigeration for short-term storage, and vacuum freezing is recommended for long-term storage. Regardless of the method, damaged corn should be removed before storage to avoid affecting the overall preservation effect. When consuming frozen corn, high temperature and rapid heating can better preserve nutrients, and can be paired with milk or beans to supplement protein.