How to Dehydrate Corn

Want to dehydrate corn? You’ll love how easy it is to dry corn, especially if you have a dehydrator. dehydrated corn l

When you use the freshest, sweetest corn around you will get amazing dried corn. As with all dehydrated food, the quality and flavor of the corn you put in your dehydrator will determine the quality and flavor of the corn you get out. Use the freshest, sweetest corn you can.

We picked up a big batch of corn from the farmer’s market, it just happened to be bi-color corn, but don’t be fooled to think it’s always the sweetest, there are some golden corn varieties that are even sweeter. Ask your farmer!

batch of corn

Of course, if fresh corn isn’t available, you can dehydrate frozen or canned corn as well. Just thaw and drain and continue with Step 4 below. Because frozen and canned corn is already pre-cooked, you do not need to boil or blanch it. If you have a lot of ice crystals in your frozen corn, it is best to let it thaw and drain a little, otherwise it is okay to dehydrate from frozen state.

Step 1

Husk the corn. If you can, do this outside.

selecting corn

Step 2

Blanch corn by bringing bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling add cobs of corn to water, wait for water to return to boiling then boil for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately cool in an ice water bath and drain well. Blanching ensures the aging enzymes in corn (the ones that turn corn from sweet to starchy) are destroyed and keeps your corn tasty sweet and delicious.

Do NOT add salt to water as this will toughen the corn.

boiling corn

Step 3

Cut corn off the cobs by placing cob end in the opening of a bundt pan. The pan will catch all the kernels and provide a steady base for the cob of corn as you run a sharp knife down the sides of the cob between the cob and the corn kernels.

Alternatively, cut a slice off the bottom of the corn cob to give you a level surface so you can hold the cob vertically on a cutting board without it wobbling. Run the knife down the sides of the cob.

cutting corn off cob

Step 4

Spread corn kernels on dehydrator trays in a single layer to allow for plenty of air circulation. Break any large pieces of corn apart into separate kernels for even drying.

corn on dehydrator w

Step 5

Dehydrate at 125°F or 52°C until corn kernels are hard and dry. Most vegetables like corn should be dried so they are brittle enough that they would shatter if hit with a hammer. Depending on humidity levels this can take 8-12 hours.

Step 6

Allow corn to cool thoroughly before storing in airtight jars.  Simply turn the dehydrator off and let them sit for another 60 minutes.  This ensures that there won’t be any condensation build up on the inside of the jars.

dried corn

Step 7

Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place for up to one year.

How to Rehydrate & Use Dried Corn

When making soups or stews that have a lot of liquid and require cooking for more than 15 minutes, I add dried corn directly to the dish without rehydrating.

In other recipes like rice pilaf, salads, casseroles, side dishes, etc, it’s best to rehydrate corn kernels before using.  Whenever possible, use the rehydrating liquid in cooking to retain vitamins and minerals.

To Rehydrate Dried Corn

Pour enough boiling water over dried corn to cover completely. Let soak for 10-15 minutes until corn looks and feels almost as plump as fresh corn. Boiling hot water speeds the process, you could use cold water if you wish.

To use, drain corn and enjoy in your favorite recipes.

Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Avocado

Chicken Corn Chowder

Lime, Corn and Cilantro Quinoa

Southwestern Bean Salad

Other Uses for Dried Corn

Hey, did you know you can use the dried corn as is? Some people love it as a tasty snack right out of the dehydrator – I find it a little too crunchy for that, but grinding it and using it as corn meal? Now that’s something definitely worth trying.

You can add course or find ground dried corn to hot cereal, granola, pancake or muffin batter, corn bread, etc.

Corn and other dried vegetables are also great to add to soup mixes like Garden Vegetable Soup Mix of Quinoa Lentil Soup Mix.

Sign up to get articles by Getty delivered to your inbox. You’ll get recipes, practical tips and great food information like this. Getty is a Professional Home Economist,  speaker and writer putting good food on tables and agendas.  She is the author of Manitoba’s best-selling Prairie Fruit Cookbook, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.

2 Comments

  1. What an interesting and helpful article about drying corn. For someone who has cooked, canned and frozen vegetables all my adult life, dehydrating is something just beginning to learn and experiment doing. Did some apples, gone! Must do more!

    1. Hi Trudy!
      Thanks for stopping by and welcome to the world of dehydrating. It’s a great addition to the preserving you’re already doing.

      Yes, apple rings never last long around here either. Try the raw apple almond bars, I bet you’ll love those too.

      All the best,
      Getty

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