Canned corn is a popular food item found in many pantries, but is it really processed food? While the answer to that question may not be as simple as a yes or no, there are some facts that can help us come to an educated conclusion.
Canned corn is essentially corn kernels that have been preserved in a can or jar. Many people assume that this means the kernels have been processed, but that is not necessarily true. The preservation process does not involve any added ingredients or chemicals, so it does not technically qualify as processed food.
However, canned corn does undergo some form of processing before it is placed into a can or jar.
For example, the kernels are picked from the cob and then cooked in water and salt before being sealed in an airtight container. This type of processing does change the texture and flavor of the corn compared to fresh kernels, but it does not add any additional ingredients or chemicals.
In addition to being cooked and sealed in an airtight container, canned corn may also be treated with preservatives such as sodium benzoate or citric acid. These preservatives help to keep the corn fresh for longer periods of time, but they are generally considered safe for consumption and do not make canned corn “processed” in the traditional sense.
Conclusion:
Based on these facts, it is safe to say that while canned corn may be altered from its original form through cooking and preservation methods, it still does not qualify as processed food because no additional ingredients or chemicals are added during this process.