Did you know that dehydrated corn kernels make for a scrumptious snack?
When looking around your kitchen for ideas of what to place into your dehydrator, don’t overlook your corn! Corn is one of those delicious side dishes that can be made into plenty of different snacks or meals.
It’s a rather versatile food as we can eat it in a yummy casserole, or we can eat it popped in a bowl full of butter and everything in between. But one of the few ways we think about eating corn is after it’s been dried in a dehydrator.
Once you learn how to dry corn, you’ll never want to go back to eating it plain as a side dish on your dinner plate. Not sure if you can create the perfect dried corn kernel? It’s simple!
Grab your dehydrator and continue reading below for everything you need to know about drying corn!
Equipment
- Dehydrator
- Large pot and basket or blancher
- Sharp knife or corn stripper
- Airtight container
Canned Corn
If you’re thinking you can’t dry your canned corn kernels, think again! You can dry your canned corn just as easily as your fresh corn. Before placing your canned corn in the dehydrator, however, you will need to drain and rinse the corn.
Frozen Corn
Those bags of frozen corn in your freezer can be dried as well. You’ll just need to make sure that you loosen all of the clumped together pieces first. You can either bang the bag on your counter a couple of times to separate the pieces, or you can let the bag thaw out for an hour in the kitchen sink.
Fresh Corn
Your last open is to use fresh corn. When using fresh corn, be sure that you first blanch your corn before dehydrating. This will make the end result much tastier and a better end result overall.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dehydrate Corn
Ever wondered, “Can you dehydrate corn?” Well, the answer is a resounding yes! So, let’s take those corn kernels, put on our cooking caps, and dive into the exciting world of dehydrating corn!
Steps to Follow
There are a few steps to follow before placing your corn in the dehydrator. When using frozen corn or canned corn, you’ll want to follow the instructions listed for that type specifically and then continue on to step 3. For fresh corn, begin at step 1.
Tip
Using a good dehydrator like the Excalibur should result in drying without spoilage. The key to successful drying is good air circulation.
Step One
The first thing that you’ll need to do is husk the sweet corn. Consider doing this step outside to prevent a messy cleanup. Then, you’ll need to begin the blanching process.
Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil (do not add salt to the water). Once boiling, place your ears of corn into the water and allow the water to begin boiling again.
For small ears of corn, boil for 7 minutes.
For medium ears of corn, boil for 9 minutes.
For large ears of corn, boil for 11 minutes.
When done, remove from heat and place the ears of corn in ice water. Drain well. This process keeps your corn tasting nice and sweet!
Step Two
Your next step is to remove the corn kernels from the cob. To do this, begin by slicing off one end of the cob. This will create a smooth and flat surface for you to hold the cob steady on the plate.
Take a knife and begin slicing the kernels off by starting from the top of the cob and working your way down. You’ll need to do this on all sides of the cob until all kernels are on the plate.
Step Three
Take your kernels and place them on your dehydrator sheet. Be sure to spread them out evenly and in one single layer. Any kernels that are still connected to one another should be broken apart.
You’ll need all kernels to have a good amount of air circulation for the best results.
Step Four
Turn your dehydrator on to 125°F or 50°C. Take a look at your trays and rotate them around if need be. You’ll then allow them to dehydrate for about 8-12 hours or even longer.
The actual drying time will depend on humidity levels and other factors as well. When finished dehydrating, the corn kernels will have a brittle feel to them and will be tough. They then need to be allowed time to cool.
Give the kernels about 30 minutes or so to cool down fully.
Storing Your Dehydrated Corn
Before sealing your dehydrated corn kernels in a storage container, you’ll need to ensure that they’ve cooled down completely. Then, find an airtight container or jar to place them in. If you have a mason jar, this is a good option.
When stored in a cool and dark place, your dried corn kernels can last you for an entire year!
Monitoring Your Corn: Signs It’s Drying Correctly
So, you’re in the middle of the dehydrating process – but how can you tell if you’re doing it right? Learning how to dehydrate corn takes a bit of patience and keen observation. Hold your excitement, as we’re about to unveil the signs that your corn is drying correctly!
Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- A Change in Color: As the corn starts to lose its moisture, a natural change in color occurs. Fresh corn kernels have a vibrant, glossy yellow color which turns into a more matte and slightly darker hue when dehydrated. Don’t worry, this is a good sign that everything is proceeding as it should.
- Shrinking Size: You’ll notice that as the corn loses moisture, it also starts to shrink in size. Dehydrated corn kernels are significantly smaller than their fresh or frozen counterparts. Remember, smaller doesn’t mean lesser – it’s just another positive sign of the drying process!
- Texture Transformation: Throughout the dehydrating process, corn kernels change from juicy and tender to hard and crunchy. The kernels should have a hard bite when properly dried. Totally different from what you started with, right? That’s the magic of dehydrating!
- Lighter Weight: As water content evaporates from the kernels, the weight of the corn decreases. This isn’t something you will notice just by looking, but if you’ve got a food scale handy, it can be a fun way to track the progress of your drying corn.
Fresh, Frozen, or Canned: Which Corn to Use
Great news! You’re not limited when it comes to dehydrating corn. You can choose to dehydrate fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels. Let’s explore each option, shall we?
Fresh Corn: Kickstarting your dehydrating journey with fresh sweet corn is an excellent choice, especially if you’ve got an abundance of corn right after harvest. To utilize fresh corn, you’ll need to remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife, take care not to cut into the cob itself. Once the kernels are removed, you blanch them in boiling water, followed by a quick bath in the ice water to shock them and halt the cooking process. Drain those lovely, plump kernels, and they’re ready for drying!
Frozen Corn: Can you dehydrate frozen corn? Absolutely! You might be surprised to learn that for those of you looking for an even quicker method of dehydrating corn, frozen kernels can be your best friend. Skip the blanching process, your frozen corn is already blanched before being frozen. Simply thaw, then spread kernels in a single layer on your dehydrator trays, and proceed with dehydrating. Easy, isn’t it?
Canned Corn: You may be wondering “Can canned corn kernels work?” They sure can, but they’ll need some extra prep because they’re packed in water and possibly salt. Drain the canned corn and rinse it under cold water to wash off the excess salt. Once the corn is drained and rinsed, it’s ready for dehydrating.
Remember, folks, no matter whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned corn, always use high-quality corn for the best results in dehydrating corn. So, let’s get this corn party started!
Why Dehydrate Corn: The Benefits Unearthed
Oh, yes! You’ve asked the right question! Why dehydrate corn, especially when we can eat it fresh, crunchy, or even canned? Well, folks, dehydrating corn has a host of benefits that may amaze you!
First and foremost, dehydrated corn is a fantastic way to preserve the quality of your harvest all year round. Whether you’ve got ears of sweet corn or canned corn kernels, freezing or canning alone won’t retain the same crunchy texture and sweet flavor over the long haul. But dehydrating corn does. It locks in the goodness for up to a year (or more if stored properly), allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer in the depths of winter.
Oh, and did we mention how dehydrated foods, including corn, reduce waste? Yes, it’s true. Rather than throw away excess corn (we all know it doesn’t last too long in the fridge), why not dehydrate it? It’s an excellent way to ensure you always have dried corn on hand for recipes when needed and prevents unwanted food waste. Epic win!
- Preserves harvest quality beyond the season
- Reduces waste
From its compactness to its light weight, dried corn takes up less space than fresh, frozen, or canned, making it perfect for those with limited storage space. This benefit extends to those who love camping or hiking. Dehydrated corn can easily be taken on trips without the worry of it getting smashed or going bad. Plus, it adds an excellent crunch to camping meals!
- Takes up less storage space
- Portable and ideal for camping trips
Aha, don’t forget the nutritional factor! While some nutrients may diminish during the dehydration process, dehydrated corn still possesses valuable fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Remember folks, a handful of dried corn can provide quick energy during workouts and outdoor activities!
- Retains nutrition
- Provides energy boost
Getting to the Good Stuff
Now it’s time to discuss the best part about it all: eating them! Dried corn kernels are the perfect way to whip up your favorite stews, corn chowder recipes, or vegetable soups. You can even take your dried corn kernels and grind them into cornmeal perfect for farm life!
Don’t forget that you can also rehydrate your dried corn after dehydrating the kernels. This is ideal for when making casseroles and other similar dishes.
Dried Corn Usage: What to Do With Your Dehydrated Corn
You’ve done it! You’ve successfully dehydrated corn and now have these amazing dried corn kernels in front of you. Great, but you may be asking, ‘what to do with dehydrated corn?’ No worries, folks! There are tons of fantastic use-cases for your newly dehydrated corn.
- Side Dishes: Dried corn adds a delightful crunch to salads, stir-fry, and roasted vegetable dishes. Their slightly sweet, nutty taste compliments a wide range of flavors!
- Gourmet Soups and Stews: Remember those hearty winter stews your granny used to make? Your dehydrated corn will add a rich depth of flavor to these dishes. Just toss them in along with other dried vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. They’ll rehydrate during the cooking process and absorb all the wonderful flavors in your dish.
- Homemade Cornmeal: You can grind dried corn into cornmeal and use it in your favorite recipes like cornbread or pancakes. The possibilities are endless!
- Eat Dried: Eat dried corn kernels straight out of the jar for a quick, healthy snack! They’re just like popcorn, but without all the extra guilt.
- Long-Term Storage: Dehydrated corn is perfect for long term storage for any emergencies when fresh produce might be hard to come by. Rehydrate in boiling water, drain, and they’re ready to go!
The best thing about dehydrating corn? You can enjoy the crispiness of fresh corn year-round! Now, grab your jars, fill them up with the dried corn kernels and store them in a cool, dark place for longevity, it’s time to get cooking!
But wait, you made too much dried corn, and aren’t sure what you’re going to do with the considerable surplus? Here’s a fantastic idea. Share them with your family and friends. A handful of dried corn in a cute jar makes an excellent gift. Who wouldn’t appreciate this amazingly versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous recipes?
What can you do with corn cobbs once you’ve harvested the kernels?
If you have any extra corn cobs, don’t throw them away! You can use them to make your corn cob jelly, pickled corn cobs, corn stock, and milk them? You can also use them to smoke meat.
Kitchn does an amazing job of explaining how to do all of those things and more.
You can also use corn cob husks to make different crafts like cornhusk dolls or wreaths or flowers.
Check out this excellent YouTube video on how to create amazing crafts from corn husk.
Other Ways to Dry Corn
You can also use direct sunlight to dry your corn and drying corn in the oven is another option but I find that using a dehydrator is the easiest and best way to get consistent results.
FAQs
What is dehydrated corn?
Dehydrated corn is corn that has had most of its water removed through a process of dehydration.
Why dehydrate corn?
Dehydrating corn is a great way to preserve it for long-term storage. Dehydrated corn can last for months or even years when stored properly. Excellent for cooking and baking, dehydrated corn can also be rehydrated and used in many recipes not forgetting it can also save you money.
How do you make dehydrated corn?
Dehydrating corn is a simple process that can be done in a dehydrator or even in an oven.
The most important part of the process is to start with fresh, ripe corn.
What are the benefits of eating dehydrated corn?
Dehydrated corn is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this versatile grain. It has a range of vitamins and minerals. Dehydrated corn is also a great source of energy, making it perfect for snacks or meals on the go.
Know How to Dry Corn for the Perfect Snack!
Learning how to dry corn is simple and rewarding. Be sure to follow all of these simple steps listed above to create the perfect dehydrated batch of corn kernels. Once you make your first batch, you’ll be making plenty more without a single helping hand.
Interested in more helpful food dehydration tips? If so, then you’re in luck! Click here to browse throughout more helpful posts!
