Boil Freshly Picked Corn
The sweetest and most delicious corn is freshly harvested. When craving boiled corn, opt for newly picked cobs to ensure natural freshness and sweetness. Choose cobs that are neither too young nor too old, ensuring tender, juicy kernels with just the right amount of sweetness. Very young corn has small kernels filled with water and lacks starch, resulting in a less chewy texture. On the other hand, older corn tends to be tougher and less supple.
Retain the Corn Husk
When boiling corn, remove the outer layer of tough husk while keeping a few inner layers intact. The corn silk can also be retained for boiling, or you may separate it to brew as a beverage later. Keeping the husk and silk helps retain moisture in the cob, enhancing its sweetness and aroma.
After removing the outer husk, give the corn a quick rinse under running water to clean it.
Boil Corn in Cold Water
It is best to use cold water for boiling corn. Starting with cold water allows gradual heat transfer to the corn, ensuring even cooking and preserving its natural chewiness and nutrition. Boiling corn in hot water causes the exterior to cook faster than the interior, compromising its taste and texture.
Add Salt to the Boiling Water
Many people add sugar to the boiling water to enhance the corn’s sweetness. While this works, especially for cobs harvested a day or more ago, freshly picked corn already boasts natural sweetness. If you still wish to amplify the sweetness, consider using a pinch of salt instead. Salt enhances the corn’s natural flavors and accentuates its sweetness without overwhelming it.
After arranging the corn cobs in the pot, add enough cold water to submerge them. Add a small amount of salt, stir gently to dissolve, and then turn on the heat. Boil the corn for approximately 20 minutes. Once done, remove the corn and serve hot.
Add Baking Soda
In addition to salt or sugar, you can include baking soda in the boiling water. Baking soda helps soften the corn and enhances its sweetness. However, use only a small amount to avoid altering the corn’s flavor or introducing bitterness, as excessive baking soda is also not beneficial for health.
Remove Corn from Water Immediately After Boiling
It is essential to remove the corn from the boiling water as soon as it is cooked. Leaving the corn in the water for an extended period may diminish its aroma and sweetness.