Whole corn is the best and freshest snack in hot weather. So you'll want to know how to store it so it stays fresh after you buy it. You can store the whole corn (including the husk) in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it. You can also store corn that has been peeled and boiled briefly to extend its shelf life. Also, make sure you store the cooked corn in the refrigerator.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Storing Raw Whole Corn
Step 1. Leave the peel
This husk helps keep the corn moist and fresh. If you peel before storing it, the corn runs the risk of drying out. Even try not to peel off the exposed ends of the skin.
- Process the corn in a day or two if you've peeled it.
- To buy corn without peeling it, start by looking for corn with green husks and fresh hair that looks to be sticking out. The hump should also feel firm from end to end. Also check for small holes that indicate the presence of worms in the corn. If you have to peel them, just peel off a little at the ends to see that the seeds grow evenly to the tips.
Step 2. Put the corn in a closed plastic clip bag
Don't wash it first. Just put it in a large plastic clip bag and seal it with as little air as possible. Place the plastic bag filled with corn in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator.
Step 3. Cook in one week
Your corn will start to spoil after about 5 days to a week. However, for the sweetest, freshest corn flavor, cook it as quickly as possible as the flavor and moisture tend to wear off over time. If possible, cook within three days.
Step 4. Check the freshness
The corn will start to get moldy at the ends. If you're starting to see dark mold on the ends of the corn, you can trim off the ends and add about 2cm more. However, if the whole corn looks moldy, you should throw it away, instead of eating it.
Moldy corn usually turns dark in color and the seeds shrivel up. Mold on corn may also appear white or blue in color
Method 2 of 3: Freezing Fresh Whole Corn
Step 1. Peel the skin
When freezing corn, you must remove the skin. This is because you will usually boil them briefly or chop them before freezing them. In addition, frozen corn husks will be more difficult to peel.
Frozen corn can last up to a year
Step 2. Boil briefly and freeze the whole corn to store it
To boil all parts of the corn, put the corn in boiling water for 7 to 11 minutes depending on the size. Take it out, then immediately put it in ice water for about 30 seconds. Then, drain the water.
- Place the corn in a plastic bag or airtight container, then freeze. If you are using a plastic bag, let out as much air as possible before closing it.
- If you want, you can reduce the boiling time. Reducing the cooking time makes the corn crispier when removed from the freezer.
Step 3. Boil and freeze the corn kernels to make the thawing process easier
Boil whole corn without shelling beforehand. Then, put it in boiling water for 2.5 minutes. You can cook it a little longer if you want. Take it out, then immediately put it in ice water. Then, drain the water.
Use a knife to peel or remove the kernels from the cob. Put the corn kernels in a plastic bag or airtight container to freeze. Remove as much air as possible if you are using a plastic clip
Step 4. Freeze the corn kernels without boiling them to shorten the pre-freezing preparation
Another option is to freeze only the kernels. Peel the corn kernels with a knife. Place the corn kernels in a plastic clip bag or airtight container, then place them in the freezer. Remove as much air as possible if you are using a plastic clip.
Step 5. Thaw the corn before heating it or put it in the microwave to cook it
You can thaw corn on the cob by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheating it before eating it the next day. You can also simply place the boiled or raw corn in the microwave until it is warm enough to eat.
Use the defrost setting in the microwave. Enter the weight of your corn. If you're not sure how much it weighs, check the corn after two minutes
Method 3 of 3: Storing Ripe Whole Corn
Step 1. Put the whole corn in an airtight container
Storing leftover cooked corn in an airtight container is the best option. You can also store it in a plastic clip if you want. Exhaling as much air as possible will keep the corn fresher. So, remove as much air as possible from the plastic clip before storing it.
Step 2. Peel the corn if you want
If you want to use the leftovers for other dishes, you can shell the corn kernels. After you cut them, put them in an airtight container before putting them in the refrigerator. You can also use plastic clips by removing as much air from the bag as possible.
Step 3. Eat in 3 to 5 days
When it's ripe, you've actually extended the corn's shelf life by a few days. If you've cooked it, you have an additional 3 to 5 days of shelf life from its initial expiration date. However, you should still eat them within 5 days if you store them in the refrigerator.
- If it starts to smell weird or grow mold, feel free to throw it away.
- You can also reheat corn in the microwave. Start with a one minute time setting, then check if it still needs more time or not.
