PRIORITY: High | CATEGORY: Pantry staples
Corn comes in two main varieties: flint and dent. Dent corn is distinguishable by a dent in the fully ripened kernel and is used for animal feed. Flint corn does not have the dented appearance and is used for popcorn and also ground into cornmeal—this is the variety to purchase for your food storage. Cornmeal can be used to make cornbread, polenta, grits, and tortillas.
SHELF LIFE: 30 years
COST: $$$ (about $530 for a year’s supply for a family of 4)
WHERE TO BUY: Sam’s Club, Costco, or online
SAMPLE PRICING: Costco for $75 for 240 servings
HOW TO STORE: In #10 cans with an oxygen absorber, or vacuum-sealed in bags with an oxygen absorber, then stored in buckets. Can be bought ready to store.
If you can’t buy it all at once, track your progress below.
SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup
SEASON: anytime; see note
A note on season: Late summer is best if you are dehydrating your own corn.
Prerequisite: A grain mill
What to do with corn
• Grind corn to make cornmeal, grits, and polenta.
• Make popcorn.
• Make cornbread (page 34).
Done