Content
Keeping corn on the cob is the only way to preserve all the beneficial qualities of this amazing plant. There are many different methods for storing corn cobs properly for the winter. All conditions for this process must be met. This is the only way to achieve a long shelf life for corn grain.
Choosing corn for storage
The benefits of this plant are described in many sources. So, it is known that it helps to normalize the work of almost all systems of the human body. It should also be used to prevent colds and infectious diseases in the autumn-spring period of the year. This product is also needed for the treatment of various chronic diseases.
Before talking about drying corn, you need to understand the rules of harvesting and proper preparation of this plant.
Although the birthplace of corn is America, this plant has spread throughout the world since the middle of the last century. In the Russian Federation, the product is grown in the south and in greenhouses in Siberia.
Harvesting basics
Many growers harvest corn on the cob at the end of August. This is necessary to ensure subsequent care: stabilization of temperature and humidity for storing corn grain. The collection must be done after the morning dew in sunny weather.
Shopping Basics
In stores, as a rule, 2 varieties of corn are sold:
- Stern. The fruits of such a plant are large. The grains of this corn are of a rigid structure, have a bright yellow color up to an orange hue. Most often it is used in livestock feed. However, such a variety is not contraindicated for a person.
- Food grade. The size of such a product is quite small, but the grains are large, soft and sweet. The color varies from milky to light yellow.
When choosing corn, you need to focus not only on the appearance of the product itself, but also on its smell and elasticity:
- To make it easier to dry the corn cobs, they must be young and fresh. The main condition is that these fruits must be in “clothes”. At the same time, the leaves should have a bright green color, and the antennae should be sufficiently moist.
- To dry the corn cobs well, the kernels must be snug, have the same yellow hue, and be juicy and firm.
- The grains at the base should be soft, and when pressed, give juice.
The drier and tougher the seed of this plant, the worse it will retain its nutritional properties.
What to look for when buying corn
The buyer should pay particular attention to the various spots on the cob grains:
- Transparent swelling indicates the presence of the disease "blister smut".
- A white coating with pink spores indicates that the product has fusarium.
- The depressed spots of a pale gray color, and after decay - of a yellow and brown hue, indicate the presence of "bacteriosis" in the plant.
- Moldy fungi cause poisoning in humans, and in severe cases, death, they are easy to find: yellow-greenish spots will be visible on the cobs.
Also, do not take a plant that is partially eaten by insects or birds. In this case, there is a high risk of various infections that are transmitted from birds and insects.
The sharp chemical and synthetic smell from the plant should alert you. Corn is not edible.
Preparing corn for storage
Particular attention should be paid to preparatory work with this plant.
Harvesting
Harvesting begins when the product reaches milk ripeness. The choice of ears is made based on the following factors:
- dryness of the outer layer of the cob;
- discoloration of the cob;
- the softness of the grains and their light juice;
- dry threads on the sides of the fruit.
The main criterion for collection is not the appearance of the component, but the moisture content of the product.
Training
Further processing of the crop takes place in several stages:
- Cleaning. First, you should remove the garbage from the grains, spoiled, crumpled fruits, as well as the cobs with rot.
- Drying. Using various methods, you need to thoroughly dry the product.
- Prepare places for storing harvested crops for the winter.
Moreover, this algorithm is used for both food and fodder corn.
How much fresh corn can be stored in the refrigerator
Fresh corn is not stored for long at room temperature, maximum 3 days. But in the refrigerator, the shelf life of this product increases. Moreover, in the refrigerator itself, corn (both on the cob and in the grain) can lie, retaining its useful qualities, for 3 months. In the freezer, the shelf life is increased to 1.5 years. True, you should first hold it in boiling water, then in cold water and repeat the procedure 2 times.
How to keep fresh corn for the winter
There are two main ways to prepare this component for the winter: freezing and conservation. The only difference is in the procurement technology. The shelf life in this case varies from 6 months to 1.5 years.
Before freezing, the component should be immersed in boiling water for several hours, and then in cold water. You can use salt and lemon juice. Then dry the product thoroughly and pack in hermetically sealed containers.
Conservation requires heat treatment of either the plant itself or containers for it. In addition, in this case, you can add other components to the workpiece.
How to store boiled corn
Heat treatment increases the shelf life of the plant. However, it requires special conditions of detention. There are various storage methods, among which there are 3 basic directions:
- On the cob in the refrigerator. Here you can put either the pot itself with the boiled plant, or individual ears of corn, carefully wrapped in cling film. In this case, the shelf life will be 2-3 days, no more.
- The beans are in the refrigerator. The grains must first be dissolved in water and sterilized jars are poured with this solution. You need to put the containers in the lower compartment. The shelf life is 2-3 months.
- In the freezer. After cooking, the product must be allowed time to cool and dry. Then, in portions, the cobs must be wrapped in cling film and put into the freezer. The shelf life of such a blank is approximately 1-1.5 years.
How to dry corn
There are many different methods of drying this unique plant. However, there are not many popular methods.
In the basement or cellar
The technology is pretty simple:
- Prepare the cobs of the plant.
- Tie in pigtails without breaking the leaves.
- Hang in the basement or cellar.
The main condition is good ventilation of the room. Readiness is checked by shaking: if the grain is well poured during this process, then the product is completely dried, it can be used further.
In the oven
The harvesting technology is even simpler compared to the previous version:
- Rinse the plant thoroughly, pat dry on a paper towel.
- Spread the grains on a baking sheet covered with parchment in a thin layer.
- Put in an oven preheated to 100 degrees for half an hour.
Then dry at room temperature until cooked through.
In the dryer
This method is similar to the previous method. The grains must be prepared in the same way. Then spread evenly on the surface of the dryer. Turn on the temperature at about 40-60 degrees and leave for 10-12 hours.
Before using an electrical appliance, carefully read the instructions for use.
Storage of sour fishing corn
As a rule, this sour plant is used when fishing for carp, crucian carp and other various fish.
Such a nutritious product is prepared quite simply: it is salted, fermented for several days at room temperature (about 7 days), and then placed in the refrigerator.
Storage conditions are the same: sealed packaging without air access, adherence to humidity and temperature conditions. The shelf life is up to 1 month.
Common mistakes when storing corn
The main reasons for the reduced shelf life of corn are:
- Incorrect preparation of the product: lack of preparatory work and the necessary technology for preparing the plant.
- Failure to comply with important parameters: humidity above 15% and temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius.
- Leaky packaging. Air access enhances the decay processes of the product.
To avoid damage to the plant, the above mistakes should be avoided.
Conclusion
Keeping corn on the cob is not that difficult. It is enough to know the basic rules for choosing and preparing a plant and take into account the optimal conditions and features of its content.
