What should I do if the corn is too hard and keeps cutting

When corn is too hard to be cut continuously, it can be processed through freezing, hot water soaking, microwave heating, vertical cutting, tool assisted methods, and other methods.

1. Freezing method

Place the whole corn in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Low temperature will reduce the adhesion between the corn kernels and the core. After removal, the corn cob becomes brittle. Use a knife to cut horizontally from the middle of the corn, and then divide it into sections for easier processing. After freezing, the internal moisture crystals of corn expand and damage the tissue structure, making it suitable for cooking needs that require the preservation of intact corn kernels.

2. Hot water soaking method

Fully immerse corn in hot water above 80 ℃ for 5 minutes to soften the lignin content of corn cob at high temperature. After soaking, dry off the surface moisture, place a towel on the cutting board to prevent slipping, and use a serrated knife to cut along the longitudinal direction of the corn. This method can maintain the freshness of corn and is suitable for situations that require immediate cooking. Be careful to avoid burns.

3. Microwave heating method

Wet corn is wrapped in cling film and heated at high microwave heat for 2 minutes to soften the fibers with internal steam. After heating, the corn cob becomes soft. Use a knife to split it from the top down while it is still hot. The thermal effect generated by microwaves can decompose some pectin, and heat-resistant gloves should be worn during operation. This method is the most efficient but may affect some sweetness.

4. Vertical cutting method

Fix the corn vertically on the cutting board, align it with the center of the corn cob with a heavy-duty kitchen knife, and press it down vertically with the heel of the knife as the point of force. Utilizing gravity acceleration to enhance cutting force, suitable for high hardness old corn. When operating, it is necessary to keep the corn stable. A damp cloth can be placed at the bottom to prevent slipping, and attention should be paid to keeping fingers away from the blade trajectory.

5. Tool assisted method

uses a corn specific splitter or heavy-duty scissors, and the serrated design of the tool can grip the surface of the corn to increase friction. The splitter applies force uniformly through the lever principle, which is more labor-saving than ordinary cutting tools. If there are no professional tools, you can use a hammer to lightly tap the back of the knife to assist in cutting, but you need to control the force to avoid the corn shattering and splashing. When processing hard corn, it is recommended to choose varieties with high freshness, as the longer the storage time, the more severe the lignification. Check the sharpness of the cutting tool before cutting, as blunt blades can easily slip and pose a danger. For elderly people or those with insufficient hand strength, electric corn cutters are preferred. Before cooking, corn can be blanched in sections to further soften the fibers and enhance the taste. Wrap the remaining corn with plastic wrap around the cut to prevent moisture loss and hardening. If you need to cook the whole corn cob, you can use bamboo sticks to poke holes in the corn cob to help heat penetrate.