Using canned corn to make soup, white chili chicken, etc. is usual. Also, canned corn is full of nutrients. But if you like eating canned corn straight, a question arises.
Whether it is safe to eat canned corn without heating or not. So here we are to help you with this question.
Can you eat corn straight from the can? This is a common question for people who like eating crunchy corn straight from the can.
Yes, you can have canned corn straight. As canned corn is cooked enough to eat. In the process of canning corn, there is a step called blanching. In the blanching process, hot and boiled water is used for 5-10 min to blanch corn. As a result, bacteria don’t remain in the canned corn.
So, you can have corn straight from the can.
But if the canned corn is not in fresh condition, don’t consume it. It can cause health issues then.
Here we will let you know why a fresh can of corn is edible straight without heating. Also, you will know when an ear of canned corn can be bad for your health. And the symptoms of expired, bad corn.
Let’s dig in.
Is Eating Corn Straight From The Can Safe?: 3 Reasons.
Now you already know that a fresh can of corn can be consumed straight. But before eating you need to know why it is okay to eat canned corn straight. Here I will provide some reasons to clear your confusion.
Reason 1: Canning Process
In the process of canning there are some steps. These steps are selecting, blanching, adding a liquid, exhausting, ceiling, and retorting.
So the corn goes through all the steps before canning fully. And in the step of blanching the corn gets warmed by hot water.
In an exhausting step, the temperature remains between 185-194 Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
Also, the retorting process is for 30 minutes. And In this step, the temperature remains up to 140 Fahrenheit.
We have some suggestions for a kitchen thermometer for you.
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So, the corn is heated enough in the canning process. So eating canned corn straight without heating or cooking is fine.
Reason 2: No Microorganisms Lefts
In reason 1 you have known the blanching process. And also have known the corn goes through with enough heat. This enough heat is able to kill all the microorganisms.
As well as, all the inactive bacteria die.So that it can be stored for a long time.
So, if the conned is not expired and in fresh condition, there should not be any microorganisms. And you can have it without worrying.
Reason 3: Full Of Nutrition
Canned corn is rich in various nutrients. Like All the B vitamins are present in canned corn. Let’s know what you get from 264-gram canned corn.
| Nutrients | Calories or Percentages |
| Carbohydrate | 177 Calories |
| Sodium | 23% |
| Potassium | 10% |
| Dietary Fibers | 5.3 Gram |
| Protein | 0.2 Gram |
| Sugar | 12 Gram |
| Fat | 3.2 gram |
| Vitamin A | 7.9% |
| Vitamin C | 7.9% |
| Calcium | 0.6% |
See, a fresh corn can is rich with nutrients. It has fibers, protein, and vitamins. It is full of energy. So eating canned corn directly can give you nutrition.
So, it is not bad to eat canned corn directly.
How to Increase the Taste Of Corn Before Eating Straight From the Can
You can Increase the taste of canned corn by adding some ingredients.
If you like salty and spicy tastes then you can add some pinches of salt.Also some black pepper in the can. They eat your canned corn directly.
Or if you like the sweet taste then you can add some honey or sugar to it. It will enhance the sweetness of your canned corn.
Signs Of Spoiled Canned Corn
A common question Is canned corn healthy? Well, eating a fresh can of corn is okay. But if the canned corn is expired then don’t eat that.
Spoiled, expired corn can cause botulism spores. And botulism spores can lead to death too.
So, before consuming canned corn, you need to check whether it is in a good position or not.
Let’s know the sign of Spoiled Canned Corn.
- If you notice discoloration in grains or in the liquid
- If the smell of canned corn is unusual or bad
- If you see any mold in the grains or liquid
- If the grains are over soft and pulpy
- If the grains are slimy
- If you notice any whitish substance on the can
- If you notice any leakage on the packet or can
So, notice and smell. If you go through with any of the above occurrences, your canned corn is spoiled. You can not eat this type of corn straight from the can.
Health Risks From Spoiled Canned Corn
Rotten canned corn can be the reason for your sickness. Spoiled canned corn can cause
Stomach Pain
Corn is high in cellulose. So it is already hard to digest. Also, if the canned corn is spoiled then there is a possibility of growing bacteria. So, cellulose and bacteria together cause stomach pain more.
Vomiting
Rotten canned corn is odd in flavor and taste. Also in the liquid of rotten canned corn, there remain microorganisms. And these bacteria and microorganisms lead you to vomit.
Diarrhea
A bad, stale rotten food is always responsible for diarrhea. So, spoiled canned corn is able to cause you diarrhea.
Food Poisoning
Canned corn can be affected by botulism spores. Botulism spores create toxicity in the dented canned food. So, spoiled, rotten, expired canned corn causes food poisoning.
Heating canned food sometimes can kill bacteria. So if your canned corn is expired don’t eat it straight from the can.
Who Can Not Consume Canned Corn
Canned corn has salty liquid. The salty liquid is not good for those who have high blood pressure. Also if you have cardiac problems then try to avoid canned corn.
Corn contains a high percentage of carbohydrates. Therefore canned corn can increase the sugar level in the body. And This will not be good for a diabetes patient.
So, if you have diabetes don’t consume canned corn or fresh corn.
Taking so much canned corn can increase your weight. So, make sure of the amount you are taking canned corn.
Corn is high in sugar. Whether you consume canned corn or fresh corn, both can cause tooth decay.
So, be careful about eating canned corn if you have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Things to Keep In Mind
So you know now, eating canned corn straight is fine. Without heating, you can eat the corn from the can. As it is enough cooked. But there are some conditions.
The canned corn you are having should be in a good position. It shouldn’t be expired or rotten.
Also, if you have gastric or diabetes problems, try to avoid canned corn.
Apart from this, you can eat corn straight from the can.
FAQs
Does Canned Corn Need To Be Refrigerated?
No. Canned corn doesn’t need to be refrigerated. But, keeping it in the refrigerator increases the shelf life of canned corn. You can store it in a plastic box or glass box. It will stay fresher if you keep it in the refrigerator like this.
How To Cook Canned Corn?
Canned corn can be cooked in many ways. But, the easiest way is to cook with just honey and butter. Pour the corn grains and the juice of the can into a saucepan. Then add butter and honey, and stir them together. Cook for 5-7 minutes and your canned corn is ready to eat.
Can You Eat Cornstarch straight?
No. You can not eat cornstarch directly.
Raw cornstarch can contain bacteria. And it will cause food poisoning.
Also, raw cornstarch can cause problems to your digestive system. It can cause gastric and bloating. People who like eating cornstarch directly may be suffering from a disease called ‘Pica’
Conclusion
So if I throw a question to you-“Can you eat corn straight from the can?”, you will be able to answer. As you know the right answer now.
So you know now that eating corn straight from the can is okay if it is in fresh condition.
Don’t be confused. Check the can and the corn grain. If they are fresh then have them enjoy your canned corn.
