How To Clean Silk From Corn On The Cob

The Food52 Hotline is where questions go to get answered—from the best way to thaw a frozen block to the best all-purpose flour for baking. Today, we're talking near summery, golden, buttery corn. Which we dearest more than anything. Except, ahem, its pesky silk strands. How the heck do you lot remove those things? And what is our test kitchen'southward go-to way to shuck corn? Let's notice out.

Around here, nosotros could talk about corn all day: how to choose an ear (no peeking!), the best way to cook it on the cob, and how to use the whole ingredient—yep, every single part. And don't get us started on our favorite ways to swallow it: raw, charred, creamed, and even churned into ice cream. And of form we're all in love with kitschy cob-shaped holders. Corny? Oh, we don't care.

Just if there'southward anything continuing betwixt u.s. and corn, it's the silk. You know, those wispy strands clinging to the kernels? On the Hotline, Food52er Kathy asked for the best way to remove corn silk, and we were all ears to hear what the community had to say...

Brush

• Endeavour removing the silk with a clean nail brush or soft dish brush as Monita does.
• Opt for a dedicated vegetable castor (for corn or mushrooms) like Dona and kimhw recommend.
• Skip the specialty brushes: Miznic opts for a toothbrush, "usually picked upwardly for almost 99 cents."

Microwave

• Pegreen suggests the microwave method: "Cutting a small-scale slice off the stem end of un-husked ear of corn. Put a few ears in microwave on high for xxx seconds, the husk and silk should come off more easily. And then cook corn as desired."

Teeth?

• Can't be bothered to become rid of the silky wisps? Yous aren't solitary. Our senior graphic designer removes the corn silk "with my teeth, while I'thou eating, because I'm too lazy to remove it."

Thank you, everyone! We'll have to effort that teeth trick afterward—only for now, here are our test kitchen'south elevation tips on how to shuck corn:

• When shopping, choice a heavy ear, with firm kernels (go ahead, give information technology a little squeeze).
• Peel away the tough, outer leaves, and discard.
• Grab the silky tassel on top, along with a handful of green leaves, and pull from the top to the bottom, in i strong motion. Discard the silk and leaves.
• Repeat the previous step until about of the silk and all the leaves are gone.
• Snap off the bottom stalk. (Or go out information technology on if y'all like a handle!)
• Use a modest, clean castor, such as a vegetable brush or toothbrush, to scrub away whatever remaining corn silk. Piece of cake.

And now that the silk is gone (yahoo!), here are a few of our favorite recipes with fresh corn:

Sriracha-Lime Corn Salad

Perfect side by side to grilled chicken, crispy fish, or a juicy steak. (As well, perfect to bring to a potluck!) Sweet corn gets paired upwards with spicy Sriracha, diced bong pepper, fresh cilantro, and crumbly Cotija cheese.

New-Fashioned Corn Pudding

A gimmicky—and much more than savory—accept on classic corn pudding. Skip the sugar and bring in sautéed onion and garlic. And instead of just milk or cream, throw in some buttermilk and sharp cheddar for skilful measure.

Corn Fritters With Cheddar & Scallions

The corniest corn fritters you'll e'er run across. The fresh kernels are bound together with grated cheese and sliced scallions, plus a petty egg and flour. We love how they brown and crisp in the pan, forming white potato chip–similar edges.

Pasta With Tomatoes, Corn, Squash & Ricotta

Name a summerier pasta—we'll expect. Our co-founder Merrill Stubbs opts for shells and basil, but feel free to play around with both the pasta shape and fresh herbs. Penne, orecchiete, and rigatoni would all be happy here. As would mint, thyme, chives, or a mix.

This commodity originally published in May 2014. We refreshed it for another summer of eating too much corn (just kidding, no such affair). What are your tricks for removing corn silk? And what's your favorite corn recipe of the summer? Let united states of america know in the comments.

Photos by Eric Moran

Source: https://food52.com/blog/10303-how-to-remove-the-silk-from-an-ear-of-corn

Posted by: gillespiebeentive.blogspot.com

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