What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to put sweet corn up like a pro.
- Remove the kernels from the blanched corn ears using a sharp knife or a corn kernel cutter.
- Canned sweet corn can be stored for up to 1 year, frozen sweet corn for up to 12 months, and dried sweet corn for up to 1 year.
Preserving the summer’s bounty of sweet corn is a culinary art that transforms the fleeting freshness of summer into a year-round treat. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to put sweet corn up like a pro.
Selecting the Perfect Corn
The foundation of successful sweet corn preservation lies in selecting the highest quality ears. Look for plump, firm kernels that are milky white or pale yellow in color. Avoid any ears with signs of damage, pests, or discoloration.
Preparation: Shucking and Blanching
1. Shucking: Remove the husks and silk from the corn ears. Rinse the ears thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
2. Blanching: Blanching is a crucial step that inactivates enzymes and preserves the corn’s color and texture. Submerge the corn ears in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Canning Sweet Corn
1. Prepare Jars and Lids: Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
2. Pack Corn into Jars: Pack the blanched corn ears tightly into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
3. Add Brine: Fill the jars with a boiling salt brine (1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water).
4. Process: Place the jars in a pressure canner and process them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The processing time will vary depending on the jar size and altitude.
Freezing Sweet Corn
1. Cut Kernels: Remove the kernels from the blanched corn ears using a sharp knife or a corn kernel cutter.
2. Prepare Bags: Divide the kernels into freezer-safe bags, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
3. Freeze: Freeze the corn kernels at 0°F or below for up to 12 months.
Drying Sweet Corn
1. Spread Kernels: Spread the blanched corn kernels on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Dry: Dry the kernels in a food dehydrator at 125°F for 8-12 hours or until they are completely dry and brittle.
3. Store: Store the dried corn kernels in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 year.
Vacuum Sealing Sweet Corn
1. Remove Kernels: Remove the kernels from the blanched corn ears.
2. Vacuum Seal: Place the corn kernels in vacuum-sealed bags and remove as much air as possible.
3. Freeze: Freeze the vacuum-sealed corn kernels at 0°F or below for up to 12 months.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality sweet corn.
- Blanch the corn properly to prevent spoilage and retain nutrients.
- Follow the processing instructions carefully when canning sweet corn.
- Freeze or dry the corn kernels as soon as possible after blanching to preserve their freshness.
- Store preserved sweet corn in a cool, dark place.
Year-Round Sweet Corn Delight
With these techniques at your disposal, you can enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round. Preserve your sweet corn harvest and savor the flavors of the season whenever you crave a taste of summer.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: How long can I store preserved sweet corn?
A: Canned sweet corn can be stored for up to 1 year, frozen sweet corn for up to 12 months, and dried sweet corn for up to 1 year.
Q: Can I use frozen sweet corn in recipes that call for fresh corn?
A: Yes, frozen sweet corn can be used in most recipes that call for fresh corn. Simply thaw the corn before using.
Q: How do I rehydrate dried sweet corn?
A: To rehydrate dried sweet corn, soak it in warm water for 30 minutes or until it has softened.
