Corn grows in ears that are covered with rows of kernels. The kernels are protected by corn silk, which are similar to silky threads and the entire “ear” is inside of a husk.
The official scientific name for corn is Zea mays, which is a take on the traditional name of maize, which is what it was referred to by Native Americans and other cultures around the word. Corn is a wonderful flavored vegetable that is typically served on the cob.
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However, it isn’t always easy to find fresh corn on the cob, so you may want to try canned corn.
If you aren’t sure how to cook canned corn, we have gathered and compiled all of the information you will need to cook a can of corn as well as a video for you to watch that shows how canned corn is made.
Is Yellow the Only Color Corn Comes In?
Although the most common color of corn is yellow, it actually is available in a wide range of colors, including black, purple, white, red, blue and pink. When you buy canned corn, you will notice that there are various types of canned corn to choose from, including sweet yellow corn, white corn and creamed corn.
For this instruction guide we will be providing information on how to cook canned corn that is yellow as well as canned cream corn.
Are There Health Benefits to Eating Corn?
Absolutely. For hundreds of years corn has been a staple food item that is not only eating as it is, but it is also used as the foundation for other food items, such as burritos and tortillas.
Corn is also popular when eaten as a snack food in the form of corn chips and popcorn. Some of the health benefits of eating corn include:
Antioxidants-corn is rich in a host of phytonutrient antioxidants. Each variety of corn contains different combinations of antioxidant phytonutrients.
For example, yellow corn contains carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, while blue corn is rich in anthocyanin antoxidants. Corn is an excellent contributor of the antioxidants that help to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Some of the phytonutrient antioxidants found in corn include beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, caffeic acid, anthocyanins, ferulic acid, and protocatechuic acid.
- Beneficial for the digestive system-corn is an excellent fiber source. Corn fiber has also been shown to support the growth of the friendly bacteria found in your large intestine. These bacteria transform the corn into short chain fatty acids, which help to supply energy to your intestinal cells, which helps to prevent or lower the risk of intestinal problems, including a reduced risk of colon cancer.
- Beneficial for blood sugar-the high fiber content found in corn helps to provide you with a variety of B-complex vitamins, such as B1, B5 and folic acid. Protein and fiber are both necessary for stabilizing food passage through your digestive system. It has been shown that eating a cup or two of corn may help control the blood sugar level for both type and type 2 diabetes.
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How to Cook Canned Corn on the Stove
With the following instructions, cooking canned corn on the stove is quick and easy.
What you’ll need
- A can of corn
- A can opener
- A small saucepan
- A spoon
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Using the can opener remove the lid from the can of corn.
- Drain the liquid from the can.
- In a small saucepan, combine the corn, 1 or 2 teaspoons of butter and a dash of salt and pepper.
- Stirring every few minutes, cook the corn over medium-low heat.
- When the butter has melted, stir to coat the corn with the butter and remove the pan from the stove.
- Transfer the cooked corn from the pan into a serving dish and enjoy.
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How to Cook Canned Corn in the Microwave
When you are in a rush to fix dinner, you can cook your corn in the microwave without sacrificing the flavor.
What you’ll need
- A can of corn
- A can opener
- A microwave safe bowl
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Using the can opener to open the can of corn
- Drain the liquid from the can and empty the corn into a microwave safe bowl
- Place 1-2 teaspoons of butter or margarine on top of the corn
- Sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper
- Place the bowl in the microwave and set the time for 2 minutes
- When the timer stops, remove the bowl from the microwave. The bowl will be hot, so use an oven mitt to remove the bowl.
- Stir the butter, salt and pepper in the corn, making sure to coat the corn with the butter.
- Serve hot with your dinner and enjoy your serving of buttery flavored corn.
How to Cook Canned Corn in a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great way to cook side dishes and meals. They allow you to prepare the foods ahead of time so you can come home from work or school to a hot and ready meal.
If you want to use a slow cooker to cook the corn while you are away, it is recommended that you add the corn to other ingredients.
Our favorite way to cook corn in the slow cooker is as a corn casserole.
What you’ll need
- 3 cans of corn
- 1-8oz package of softened cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 box of corn muffin mix (8-8.5 oz)
- 1 can of creamed corn
- 1 cup of milk
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Cooking spray
- Bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- Thoroughly spray the inside of the crock pot with your favorite cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine the eggs, cream cheese and sugar and mix well.
- Add the corn muffin mix and the rest of the other ingredients to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the slow cook, put on the lid and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Make sure to check the corn casserole occasionally while it is cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Serve warm (makes 8 servings)
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How to Cook Creamed Canned Corn
Creamed corn is a sweet, creamy variation of canned corn. You can buy creamed corn in the can next to the regular corn at your local grocery. But, there is nothing more comforting that a serving of homemade creamed corn.
If you prefer to use canned cream corn, simply cook in the same manner as you would cook regular canned corn (see instructions above).
In case you want to make your own homemade creamed corn, here is one of our favorite creamed corn recipes(this recipe makes six servings):
What you’ll need
- 2 cans of canned corn (yellow or white)
- Sugar
- Flour
- Heavy whipping cream
- Water
- Bacon
- Bacon grease
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
- Pepper
- Heavy saucepan
- Spoon
Instructions
- Fry 2-3 strips of bacon until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and crumble; leave the grease in the skillet.
- Crumble the bacon.
- Open the canned corn and pour it into a mixing bowl.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar and the salt and pepper into the corn. Stir well.
- Stir 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of water into the corn mixture and stir well.
- Add the crumbled bacon and the corn mixture to the bacon grease and mix well.
- Stirring every few minutes to ensure the flour doesn’t lump, cook the corn over medium-low heat for about 30-minutes (until thickened and heated through).
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Remove from the skillet and serve warm.
Other Ways to Use Canned Corn
Now that you know how to cook canned corn, you may want to use canned corn to add flavor to other dishes. There is no limit as to how many different ways you can add vegetables to your diet with canned corn. Some of our favorite ways to incorporate canned corn into other dishes include:
- Saute a can of corn in a skillet with olive oil, green chilies and sweet onions. When served hot, this makes an excellent side dish.
- Add a can of corn to a cold salad made from quinoa, green peppers, tomatoes and red kidney beans.
- Add diced tomatoes and corn kernels to your favorite guacamole recipe.
- Add canned corn to your favorite chili, soup or chowder to enhance the flavor.
We hope you enjoyed our tutorial on how to cook canned corn. The recipes used were from our favorites that our family enjoys on a regular basis.
There are numerous ways to use corn and it has exceptional nutritional values, so instead of passing by it during your next visit to the grocery store, pick up a can or two and get creative with the many ways you can incorporate this flavorful vegetable into your next meal.
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