How to Choose and Buy Delicious Cốm
Timing is everything when it comes to buying the best Cốm. Cốm sold in the morning is typically fresher and more flavorful. To ensure you’re getting the highest quality, it’s best to shop for Cốm in the morning. Afternoon purchases may result in stale, hard, or even spoiled Cốm.
Young Cốm, or Cốm non, is characterized by its aromatic fragrance and chewy texture. Opt for a light green variety with a hint of yellow—think banana leaf green. Dark green or overly vibrant green Cốm may indicate the use of artificial coloring.
Taste-testing is another way to ensure quality. Delicious Cốm should be chewy and elastic, with a distinctive aroma. Cốm that has been artificially colored often loses its natural elasticity and fragrance.
To further test the quality, soak a small amount of Cốm in a glass of water for about 30 minutes. High-quality Cốm will result in clear water, while artificially colored Cốm will turn the water green and the grains a pale green-white.
The best Cốm is made from nếp cái hoa vàng rice, although other varieties of rice are also used nowadays. When buying Cốm, look for grains made from sturdy yet thin and sticky nếp rice. A gentle bite should reveal a chewy, buttery, and refreshing texture. Fresh Cốm will be softer and more fragrant, while refrigerated Cốm tends to harden.
Storing Cốm
Store your Cốm in a cool, dry place to maintain its flavor and texture. Moisture can negatively impact the quality of Cốm.
Fresh Cốm stored in the refrigerator tends to dry out. Additionally, overnight storage will alter the flavor and texture of the Cốm as the grains harden and lose their elasticity.
For fresh Cốm, it’s best to keep it wrapped in the sen or dong leaves provided by the seller. This helps retain moisture and infuses the Cốm with the fragrant aroma of the leaves. However, avoid storing Cốm at room temperature for extended periods, as higher temperatures can cause spoilage.
If your Cốm dries out, wash your hands with soap and water, dampen them with filtered water, and then mix and knead the Cốm thoroughly. Wrapping it in sen leaves can help restore some moisture. However, it’s best to buy Cốm in quantities that can be consumed fresh on the same day, as leaving it out at room temperature overnight is not recommended.
If you wish to buy Cốm in bulk and store it for future consumption, consider freezing it. Before freezing, place the Cốm in an airtight bag to prolong its lifespan and maintain its flavor, without affecting the aroma of other foods in your freezer.
Divide the Cốm into smaller portions, each enough for a single serving. Label and freeze these portions. When you’re ready to enjoy your Cốm, simply thaw the desired portion at room temperature, and the grains will regain their soft and chewy texture.
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