Immediately boil fresh sweet corn in boiling water for a few minutes after harvesting

After harvesting fresh sweet corn, immediately boil it in boiling water for 5-8 minutes. The cooking time of sweet corn mainly depends on the maturity, individual size, and personal taste preference of the corn.

Fresh sweet corn is rich in vitamin B, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Boiling it in boiling water for a short period of time can maximize the retention of its nutritional components. The water-soluble vitamins in corn kernels are easily lost at high temperatures, but a heating time of 5-8 minutes can ensure sufficient starch gelatinization and enhance sweetness, while avoiding excessive nutrient damage. At this point, the corn kernels appear bright yellow and have a full texture. When lightly poked with a toothpick, the elasticity can be felt, and the core has no astringency, which is the optimal state. If the corn is older or larger, it can be extended for 2-3 minutes, but the total duration should not exceed 12 minutes to avoid affecting the taste.

In special circumstances, such as corn being stored for a long time after harvesting or refrigerated, its sugar may partially convert into starch. It is recommended to soak in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking to restore moisture. If the corn ears turn black or the bracts dry, there may be a decrease in quality due to improper storage, and the cooking time should be extended to more than 10 minutes to ensure safety. Some varieties of purple or two-color corn have high anthocyanin content, so a small amount of salt or lemon juice can be added to water to fix the color during cooking.

After cooking sweet corn, it is recommended to immediately remove it and drain it to avoid prolonged soaking that may cause flavor loss. It can be paired with a small amount of butter or olive oil to enhance the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, but hypertensive patients should control the addition of sodium salts. The remaining boiled corn can be refrigerated and stored for 2-3 days. When consumed again, steaming it hot can better maintain its sweetness than boiling it in water. Choosing freshly harvested corn in the current season and cooking it as soon as possible can achieve the best nutritional value and sweet taste. For those with weak gastrointestinal function, the corn kernels can be peeled off and cooked with millet for easier digestion.