corn

Also Known as
Makai ke dane

Description
Corn grows in "ears," each of which is covered in rows of kernels that are then protected by the silk-like threads called "corn silk" and encased in a husk. Corn is good for you; Corn is not only a tasty treat, but also a cereal that provides a lot of health benefits

Blanched corn
To blanch sweet corn on the cob, use a large stockpot partially filled with water, enough to cover several ears at a time. Bring the water to boil, and then place the corn in the boiling water. Begin timing as soon as you immerse the corn in the boiling water. Cover the pot and boil on high temperature. You may use the same boiling water two or three times. After boiling, cool the corn immediately in ice water for the same amount of time as it was boiled. Drain the corn thoroughly.
Boiled corn
To boil, bring a large pot of water to bubble over high heat. Cook in batches, with husks and silks removed, adding a few ears at a time, so the water continues boiling. For fresh young corn, cook for 30 seconds-just long enough to heat the corn through; boil more mature corn for up to three minutes. Do not add salt to cooking water since that will toughen the corn. You can boil both varieties of corn, nmely sweet corn and white corn (which are easily available in the market) as per recipe requirement.
Corn chips
Corn chip is a snack food made from cornmeal fried in oil or baked, usually in the shape of a small noodle or scoop. Corn chips are thick, rigid and very crunchy. It has the strong aroma and flavor of roasted corn, and is often heavily dusted with salt. Corn chips are most often eaten alone or with a cheese dip or salsa sauce. They make a good welcome starter for the party.
Corn cubes
Dice or cube ingredients by cutting them into uniform strips. Line up the strips with your non-working hand and cut them into square pieces. Cube them as per the recipe's need regarding the size of the cubes, (for example, "cut into ½-inch cubes").
Crushed sweet corn kernels
Sweet Corn Kernels can be crushed raw or partially boiled. It can be crushed as required, partially or fully using a grinder. Crushed sweet corn kernels can be used for soups or stuffing.
Grated corn
Corn can be grated thickly or thinly as desired by the recipe. Take the grater and rub the corn cob against it. It can be added to make pancakes, corn pudding, soups or corn balls. Grated fresh corn that's added at the end gives the dish body and a wonderfully fresh flavor. The grated corn will look rather like scrambled eggs.
Grated corn cob

Corn Cob can be grated thickly or thinly as desired by the recipe. Using the grater, rub the corn cob against it. Grated corn cob is a wonderful and nutritious addition to make pancakes, corn pudding, soups or corn balls. Grated fresh corn cob that's added at the end gives the dish body and a delightfully fresh flavor.
Sweet corn roundels
To get sweet corn roundels, place a sweet corn cob on a chopping board and cut into roundels.


How to Select
Since heat rapidly converts the sugar in corn to starch, it is very important to choose corn that is displayed in a cool place. If shopping for corn in the supermarket, make sure it is refrigerated. If purchasing corn at a farmer's market or roadside stand, make sure that if the corn is not refrigerated, it has at least been kept in the shade, out of direct sunlight.
Look for corn whose husks are fresh and green and not dried out. They should envelope the ear and not fit too loosely around it. To examine the kernels, pull back part of the husk. The kernels should be plump and tightly arranged in rows. You can test for the juiciness of the corn by taking your fingernail and pressing on a kernel. Corn that is fresh will exude a white milky substance.
To enjoy corn's maximum flavor, purchase it on the day you are going to cook it since corn has a tendency to lose its flavor relatively rapidly. Store corn in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not remove its husk since this will protect its flavor. To enjoy its optimal sweetness, corn should be eaten as soon as possible.

Culinary Uses
" Eat corn on the cob either just as is or seasoned with a little organic butter, olive oil or flaxseed oil, salt and pepper, nutritional yeast or any other herbs or spices you enjoy.
" Healthy sauté cooked corn with green chillies and onions. Served hot, this makes a wonderful side dish.
" Enjoy a cold salad with cooked corn kernels, tomatoes, green peppers and red kidney beans.
" Add corn kernels and diced tomatoes to guacamole to give it extra zing.
" Adding corn to soup, whether chili or chowder, enhances the soup's taste. It can be added to vegetables for a sweet taste.

How to Store
Fresh corn freezes well if placed in heavy-duty freezer bags. To prepare whole ears for freezing, blanch them first for seven to eleven minutes depending upon their size (larger ears take a longer time to blanch than smaller ones). If you just want to freeze the kernels, first blanch the ears for about five minutes and then cut the kernels off the cob at about three-quarters of their depths. Whole corn on the cob will keep for up to one year, while the kernels can be frozen for two to three months.

Health Benefits
" Corn is a body building food.
" Corn is helpful in kidney problems including renal dysfunction. Eat everyday a soft and boiled corn.
" It is high in nutrients - Thiamin (vitamin B1) which is used in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) which helps with physiological functions. Folate which helps the generation of new cells especially important before and during pregnancy. Vitamin C which fights against diseases.
" Corn is a Good Source of Fiber. Fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Fiber is also useful in helping to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.




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