The Nutritional Profile of Freeze-Dried Corn: Benefits and Misconceptions

Bewildered by all the myths surrounding the nutritional value of food today? If you’re presented with a bag of freeze-dried corn – something usually associated with a handy camping food, or perhaps a forgotten packet of ‘space food’ – you’d understandably be forgiven for assuming that it’s low in nutrition, processed, or harmful in some way. So, here we’re going to set the record straight on this undervalued food: freeze-dried corn is actually quite nutritious. People tend to stuff their pantry with multigrain bread and expensive salmon because they think it is the healthiest choice, but freeze-dried corn has a lot to offer as well. In fact, once you become familiar with the concept of freeze-dried corn and how it is produced, you’ll likely start reconsidering and incorporating it into your diet.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

If it is indeed freeze-dried, it retains most of the nutritional value of fresh, vitamin- and mineral-rich corn. It is high in fibre, which aids digestion and can help regulate blood sugar, and it is high in antioxidants such as vitamin C and lutein, which boosts immune function and vision health, respectively.

Low in Fat, High in Energy

Contrary to popular belief, freeze-dried corn is also naturally incredibly low in fat content, and is an excellent source for complex carbohydrates to help keep plenty of energy flowing to your system for an extended period. Freeze-drying does a good job of preserving corn at its natural state, meaning that it maintains the natural nutrients that corn has to offer. Additionally – unlike many engineer flavours, seasonings, fats and oils used to boost flavour in rehydrated or dehydrated foods – freeze-drying does not add any of these elements and retains a relatively ‘simple state’ in which your body recognises more easily, processing it far more immediately and avoiding a counterproductive inflammatory response. This makes it a very good snack food for treks that can burn up a lot of energy, such as hiking or travelling long distances in a vehicle for days on end.

Misconceptions About Sugar Content

Perhaps the greatest misconception about freeze-dried corn is that it is loaded with sugar. True, sugar is a natural component of this vegetable food. However, in corn, the amount is actually fairly low at about 6 per cent. Since freeze-drying does not alter its constituents, the sugars are themselves preserved. Despite this, freeze-dried corn is able to have a sweet taste without the addition of sugar or sweeteners. In fact, since corn does not possess high levels of sugar – as compared to many processed snacks – it makes for a healthier alternative.

Versatility in Diet

One of the best things I can say about Corn Dandy is that even if I don’t feel like making an end-of-summer soup or want to brighten up a weekend salad with a scattering of fresh kernels, I can still crack open the icy package, open a grocery bag of beef jerky style, and eat corn corn almost like potato chips. It doesn’t even matter if the bag swells up like a snowball in my mouth – its crisp cool crunches are so easy to love. I can chomp it straight, sprinkle it over a salad, or enjoy it as a sophisticated și ʰrom ‘taste’ with some morning cereal.

A Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Option

Freeze-dried corn can also be a vital food option for those on special diets: for the most part, it’s naturally non-gmo and gluten-free. (Make sure labels confirm that the corn you’re looking at remained compliant at each step of processing. As always, practices vary.)Although it is a subject of some nutritional myths, freeze-dried corn is a nutrient treasure trove. It’s a versatile and healthy addition to any diet.