How Long Does Cracked Corn Last?

We may earn commissions for purchases made through links on our site. Learn more on our about us page.

Dried foods are a fantastic thing to keep stocked, but what happens when you want to make different types of foods like bread, tortillas, and pastries? The stuff you get at the store will only last if it’s frozen; frozen things last like ice after a while.

The next option is to get the dried grains to make the food fresh, and that’s where cracked corn comes in. Dried corn kernels are meant to be grain, and they are too hard and unsweet for humans to eat without milling them, so they use them to make doughs of all sorts.

How Should You Store it?

Since cracked corn is dry, keeping it in a temperature-controlled room without moisture and away from heat is best. The best way to store it is to keep it in a mylar bag with oxygen absorbers, then place the mylar bag into an airtight container to avoid rodents.

Storing your corn this way can extend its shelf life for up to 30 years. However, while you can use storage methods such as cans and containers, they can become more expensive and allow oxygen transfer through the plastic.

 

What Can Ruin Cracked Corn?

One of the more significant problems that can threaten your corn is bugs and rodents. If you don’t store your product correctly, little critters will have a wonderful time eating up and ruining your ingredients. 

That’s why making sure your storage techniques are solid is essential. Another problem is moisture. If your dried corn gets damp, it gives bacteria a way to multiply, causing mold to grow on the corn.

 

How Much of it Should You Store?

It depends on how much you think you’ll need. Be sure to review a diet chart to make sure you’re storing all the vitamins and nutrients you need to live a sustainable life. Cracked corn, for example, has more nutrients than other things.

Saying that cracked corn also needs to be milled into cornmeal before use. Once it is milled, you can use it for a variety of things, such as:

• Hushpuppies
• Corn Bread
• Pizza Dough
• Grits

 

So consider how much work you want to do when preparing something. For example, should you stock up on a lot of cracked corn and mill it all by hand? It might be better to stock up on corn meal and then use cracked corn when it runs out.

 

How Can You Tell if Your Cracked Corn is Ruined?

It’s hard to tell whether or not your cracked corn has mold in it. But, if you start seeing little gray and black portions within the grain, it’s a sign of decay. Another way to tell is to note if your corn has been exposed to moisture.

Rub some in your hand. If it feels soft, it’s rotten. If it’s still hard and dry, it’s good. Keep in mind that it’s normal for cracked corn to be powdery, so this is the best way to tell if it’s suitable for consumption.

 

Tips to Help You Prevent Cracked Corn from Going Bad

When taking the plunge to buy a lot of something, it can be nerve-wracking to figure out how to store it properly. If you’re still worried about it, here are a few tips for preventing rotten, cracked corn:

1. Store the corn in a mylar bag and store the bags in an airtight container.
2. Keep the corn in a dry area and use oxygen absorbers.
3. Once you open it, check on it often.
4. Use it often enough to justify how much you stock up on.
5. Stock both corn meal and cracked corn.

 

Final Thoughts on How Long does Cracked Corn Last

Dried corn kernels are meant to be grain, and they are too hard and unsweet for humans to eat without milling them, so they use them to make doughs of all sorts. The best way to store it is to keep it in a mylar bag with oxygen absorbers.

It’s hard to tell if your corn has mold, but it can appear as grey and black spots. Rub some in your hand. If it feels soft, it’s rotten, and if it’s still hard and dry, it’s most likely good. By following these steps, you’ll be able to keep cracked corn for 30 years.

Leave a comment