Source: Food Deep Wish
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Corn, this golden delicacy, can always be found at a picnic on a hot summer day or at a family dinner. Not only because of its irresistible sweetness, but also because of its rich nutritional value – rich in fiber, vitamins C and B vitamins, and essential minerals. However, despite the popularity of corn, many people often fall into one misconception when it comes to cooking corn: time.
Some people like to boil corn soft, thinking it will preserve its sweetness, while others cook it for too little time because they are eager to taste it, and the kernels are still hard. In fact, both extremes can cause you to miss out on corn at its best. So, how many minutes does it take to cook corn to preserve its nutrients and taste its best?
Choosing the right kind of corn and making sure it's fresh is the first step in ensuring that delicious corn is cooked. Not only is corn one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, but it also has a very different taste and use depending on the species. The two most common types of corn are sweet corn and waxy corn. Known for its sweet and juicy taste, sweet corn is the first choice for most people when cooking, especially when cooked straight or in salads. Waxy corn, on the other hand, is often used to cook porridge or make traditional pastries because of its sticky texture and less sweetness.
When it comes to picking corn, freshness is key. The outer skin of high-quality corn should be tight and clean, with no obvious damage. When peeled off, the corn silk should be a moist pale green, which is usually a sign of freshness. Also, gently press the corn kernels, which should feel full and elastic, if the corn kernels are prone to denting or appear dry, it is not recommended to buy them.
Common mistakes when cooking corn include cooking it too long or undercooked, both of which can seriously affect the taste and nutrition of corn. Cooking for too long can cause corn to lose its sweetness and moisture, making it dry and hard, while also destroying water-soluble nutrients such as vitamin C. In contrast, undercooked corn is hard, chewy, and indigestible. In addition, many people heat the water to an insufficient temperature before boiling the corn, which can cause the corn to absorb too much water, resulting in a worse taste.
The correct way is to put the corn in the water that has already been boiled, and be careful not to add salt to the water in advance, as this will harden the outer layer of the corn kernels, affecting the uniform penetration of the heat.
Let's take a look at the correct steps to cook corn:
Water volume and pot selection: First, choose a pot that is large enough to ensure that all of the corn is completely submerged in the water.
Preparation of water: Pour enough water into the pot and heat until boiling. It is important to start heating with cold water and let it boil completely.
Add the corn: Once the corn is cleaned, wait until the water is completely boiled before putting it in the pot. If the corn is too long, it can be cut in half as needed.
Cooking time: After putting the corn in boiling water, there is no need to cover the pot again. Keep the heat on medium and let the water boil slightly. For sweet corn, boil for 7 to 10 minutes. If it's older corn, it may take 10 to 15 minutes to make sure the corn is cooked thoroughly without losing its sweetness and tenderness.
Check for doneness: When the cooking time is up, gently prick a kernel of corn with a fork to see if it is easy to prick. Corn kernels should be bright, tender, and elastic.
Cooling: Once cooked, remove the corn and soak it in cold water for a few seconds, which will stop the cooking process and preserve the color and texture of the corn.
To serve: Remove the corn and drain. Add some butter, salt or other spices to your liking.
Proper cooking not only preserves the nutritional value of corn to the maximum, but also ensures that every bite is sweet and juicy. By following the steps above, you can avoid common corn cooking mistakes, such as overcooking or undercooking, which often cause corn to harden or lose its natural sweetness. In addition, choosing the right corn type and cooking time is equally critical to achieving the best flavor and mouthfeel.