In this article, we will answer the question “Can I eat raw corn on the cob?”, and how to store corn on the cob to extend its shelf life?
Can I eat raw corn on the cob?
Can I eat raw corn on the cob?
Yes, raw corn on the cob is safe and healthy to consume. If you are someone who worries about destroying the nutrients by excessive cooking, it is probably in your best interest to eat it raw. That is if you are okay with the texture and taste.
It is wholesome and delicious. Add some lemon juice or olive oil along with some spices to enhance flavor. Rubbing the kernels with some white balsamic and olive oil vinaigrette adds to the sweetness of the kernels. Read on if you want to know how to eat raw corn on the cob and how to buy the perfectly ripe corn cob without pulling off its husk.
How to eat raw corn on the cob?
- Choose the freshest corn. It is best If you are buying from the farmers market. Fresh and young corn is more juicy and sweet. With time the sugars convert into starch and the kernels shrink.
- Remove the silk and the husk from the corn and clean it under cold running water. Do not keep the corn longer after you have removed the husk. The stalks are the last defense of the corn on the cob.
- Now either bite into the succulent corn kernels while they are on the cob or you can cut the kernels using a shape knife
- Eat the corn kernels as is or make it aprt of your salad bowls or corn salsa. For salad, combine corn, diced red bell pepper, diced carrot, chopped cilantro or parsley and salt to taste. Add corn to diced jalapeno, onion, tomato, garlic and cilantro to make corn salsa.
How to pick ripe corn?
The husk should be bright green and spot free. The silky fibres at the end of the cob should be golden and fresh. If they look dried out, corn is not fresh.
How to store corn?
Refrigerating corn on the corb
In order to keep corn on the cob fresh in the storage, keep the following things in mind.
- Always refrigerate your corn if you are not going to consume it immediately. The low temperature of the fridge will keep the content of the simple sugars high whilst slowing down their breakdown into bland tasting starch.
- Do not remove the husk. You can remove the outermost dirty leaves but keeping at least a few leaves intact will lock the moisture inside the corn kernels.
- Wrap a plastic sheet around the corn on the cob. Wrapping too tight will result in collecting water inside that will lead to fungal growth, so, keep it a little loose.
Freezing corn on the cob
There are two ways to freeze store corn on the cob.
- Simply place the corn on the cob with the husk intact inside the freezer bags. Label and store for about 8 months.
- The second method is to blanch before freeze storing. For this, blanch the corn on the cob in boiling hot water for 4 minutes. Remove from the water and let it sit in ice-cold water for 4 minutes to stop the cooking process. Now remove the corn kernels off the cob and store them in a freezer bag. Store in small portion sizes and label the bags.
Refrigerating cooked corn
To store cooked corn or corn leftovers, wrap the corn in a thick aluminum foil. Place it in a clean and dry air-tight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
How to tell if the corn is bad?
Corn, cooked or uncooked, will eventually go bad if kept for too long or stored incorrectly. There are a number of ways you can tell if the corn is ready to be tossed in the bin.
- If the corn kernels start giving off a rancid or sour smell, toss it in the bin.
- If the corn kernels appear slimy and sticky to touch, it is a clear indication of mold growth. Discard it immediately.
Some corn recipes
- Toss roasted corn on the cob with lime and chiles and melt some cheese on top.
- Coat grilled corn with lime butter and queso fresco. Sprinkle with homemade Ancho Chile Rub to make it hotter. If you do not like the coating to be too spicy, rub it with some mayonnaise, chili powder, and garlic salt. Alternatively, serve grilled corn rubbed with spicy jalapeno, lime, garlic, and paprika butter.
- Cook some pappardelle in a sauce based on corn on the cob and tomatoes. For a healthier option, incorporate corn in Panzanella along with other vegetables and bread.
Other FAQs about Corn that you may be interested in.
How many dozen are in a bushel of corn?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can I eat raw corn on the cob?”, and how to store corn on the cob to extend its shelf life?
References
https://www.livestrong.com/article/488473-how-to-eat-raw-corn-on-the-cob/
