Are you about to be knee-deep in corn from your lovely harvest, wondering what you’ll do with all those golden ears? Well, here’s a fantastic solution: make homemade cornmeal! Not only does this food preservation method enable you to enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your cornmeal.
If you’re growing corn this year, you’re in for a treat! We’re going to walk you through the entire process for how to make cornmeal from corn — from harvesting to grinding!
What is Cornmeal?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s start with the basics. Cornmeal is a versatile staple made from ground corn. Basically, what flour is to wheat, cornmeal is to corn. It comes in various textures, from fine to coarse, and cornmeal is a key ingredient in many delicious dishes like cornbread, grits, and classic tortillas.
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Flour
Benefits of Homemade Cornmeal
Less Processed Food
One of the main benefits of making your own cornmeal is that it’s far less processed than store-bought alternatives. You have full control over the quality and purity of your cornmeal.
Use up Forgotten / Overly Dried Corn
Have some corn that’s been sitting around for a while, begging to be harvested? Don’t let it go to waste! Homemade cornmeal is an excellent way to use up corn that missed the ideal harvest window for being eaten as fresh corn.
Related Article: Big Garden Harvest? Recipes to Use Up Lots of Vegetables
Lasts Up to a Year
Properly stored homemade cornmeal can last 6-12 months or even longer, allowing you to enjoy your harvest well into winter and even spring.
What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Cornmeal
Before you get started, gather these essentials:
- Corn Ears: The star of the show, of course!
- Large Container: For drying and storing corn kernels.
- Baking Sheets: To spread out corn kernels for drying.
- Food Processor or Grain Mill: For grinding dried corn into cornmeal.
- Sieve or Fine Mesh Strainer: To separate coarse and fine textures.
- Airtight Storage Containers: For storing your freshly ground cornmeal.
Now that you have your tools ready, let’s dive into the process.
How to Make Cornmeal From Corn
1. When To Harvest Corn For Drying
The first step is crucial: harvest your corn at the right time. Wait until the corn is mature but not overly dry. The kernels should still have some moisture left. Just be sure to harvest the ears before the first frost!
2. Let Ears Dry Further
Pull back or pull off the husks completely (don’t throw these out — make tamales or other foods!) and use twine to hang your harvested corn ears in a well-ventilated area, like a garage or a shed. Let them air dry for a few weeks until the kernels are completely hard you can’t puncture them with your fingernail.
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3. Remove Kernels
Once the ears are sufficiently dry, remove the kernels from the cob. You can do this by simply rubbing them off or using a knife.
4. Let Kernels Dry Even Further
Spread out the kernels on baking sheets and let them dry for another week or two. This ensures that they are completely dry and won’t spoil during storage. After they’re dry, you can store the kernels away for long term use — they last over a decade when they’re whole! Or you can process some or all of them into cornmeal.
5. Process Kernels To Your Desired Coarseness
Use a food processor or a grain mill to turn the dried kernels into cornmeal. You can adjust the coarseness to your liking. For a finer texture, process the cornmeal longer.
You can also use a mesh strainer to separate the portions that are ground finer from the coarser portions. These can be used in different types of recipes or the coarse portions can be tossed back into the mill for finer grinding.
What to Make With Homemade Cornmeal
Now that you have your freshly ground cornmeal, the culinary possibilities are endless! You can use it to make:
- Cornbread: A classic favorite.
- Grits: A Southern staple.
- Pancakes: Fluffy and delicious.
- Tortillas: Perfect for wraps and tacos.
- Polenta: Creamy and comforting.
- Batter for Fried Foods: Crispy goodness.
- Flour for Baked Goods: Get creative with cakes and muffins.
Related Article: Uses for Corn Stalks, Husks, Cobs, and More: How to Use Everything in Your Corn Harvest
How to Store Homemade Cornmeal The Right Way
To keep your homemade cornmeal fresh for an extended period, store it in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, homemade cornmeal can last up to a year, ensuring you have a steady supply for your culinary adventures throughout the year.
Related Article: Proper Produce Storage: How to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Longer
Ready to Get Grinding?
Turning your corn harvest into cornmeal is a rewarding process that not only reduces waste but also provides you with a versatile ingredient for a wide range of dishes. With a little patience and the right tools, you can enjoy the taste of your harvest throughout the year.
FAQs: Homemade Cornmeal
Can I use any type of corn for making cornmeal?
While you can technically use any corn variety, dent corn or flint corn is the best choice for making cornmeal due to its high starch content.
Do I need a food processor to make cornmeal?
A food processor or grinder makes the process much easier, but you can also make cornmeal using a mortar and pestle, although it’s far more labor-intensive.
Can I store homemade cornmeal in the freezer for longer shelf life?
Yes, freezing homemade cornmeal can extend its shelf life even further. Just make sure to use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
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Are there any gluten-free recipes using homemade cornmeal?
Absolutely! Many cornmeal-based recipes are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add flavorings or spices to my homemade cornmeal?
Yes, you can customize your cornmeal by adding herbs, spices, or even dried fruits for a unique flavor profile in your dishes.