Dried Sweet Corn
I am seeing the last corn of the season at the farm stands.
Sad a little (but now we have squash and pumpkins and well actually almost everything else…) and also inspired to put some away for the winter.
When I have time (not every year) I love to dry some sweet corn to use in winter soups, stews, polenta, etc…
It tastes different from fresh corn.
It\’s sweet yes, also nutty and that summer vibrance gets concentrated in those little kernels.
That brightness is so welcome in January.
I dry corn in my dehydrator and put away a few jars to add to winter meals.
The dehydrators can efficiently work on a lower temperature and I feel that makes a better result – but use what you have. You can also dry corn in your oven on a low temperature.
When thoroughly dry and completely cool, store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. A canning jar with lid is fine.
Will keep about 8 months for sure.
Dried Sweet Corn
6 ears makes 2 cups dried
Prep time is 20 minutes (a little more for more corn).
Dry time is 24 hours
Ingredients:
6 to 12 ears fresh, unblemished, corn
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile shuck corn and remove silk.
When water boils add corn and cook for 5 minutes. Remove corn and let cool in a colander.
Cut kernels from the cob and place on dehydrator trays in an even single layer.
In my dehydrator 3 ears fill one tray.
If you are drying corn in your oven then spread kernels on a cookie sheet in a similar fashion.
For dehydrator – Dry corn for 24 hours at 135 degrees. Rotate trays every few hours for even drying.
If you have fine mesh liners use them to prevent the smaller bits of corn from falling through. You can also use cheesecloth which works but its takes some time to get all the corn off the cheesecloth. I use neither and just clean up the bits off the bottom.
For oven – Turn your oven to lowest setting. Every oven will be different. Dry corn for 6 to 12 hours or until the corn is dry. Every few hours you will need to rotate your cookie sheets and also stir the corn to facilitate even drying.
When dry and cool place corn in clean dry jars. Cover and label.
