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Freezing corn on the cob is a fantastic way to preserve the sweet and juicy flavours of summer to enjoy all year round. Whether you have extra corn from your garden or took advantage of a great sale at the farmer’s market, freezing corn is a simple and effective way to extend its shelf life. In this blog post I’m going to walk you through the process of how to freeze corn on the cob so you can savour that fresh, farm-to-table taste all winter long.
Choosing the Right Type Of Corn On The Cob To Freeze
Select fresh, ripe corn on the cob. Look for ears with plump kernels and vibrant, green husks. The corn should feel firm and the silk should be light brown or golden.
What Materials Do You Need To Freeze Corn On The Cob?
- Corn on the cob
- Large pot
- Ice bath (large bowl with ice and water)
- Freezer-safe bags or containers
- Permanent marker
- Timer
Sometimes it’s nice to ‘see’ someone while they are explaining things. If this is you, check out the link to my YouTube video below!
Do You Have To Blanch Corn On The Cob Before Freezing?
Blanching corn on the cob before freezing is a recommended step because it helps preserve the quality, flavor, and nutritional value of the corn during the freezing process.
How Do You Blanch Corn On The Cob?
First fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. While the water is heating up, husk the corn and remove any silk. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corn to the pot. Start a timer for 3 minutes and allow the corn to boil for 3 minutes only. This process is called blanching.
Cooling and Preparing Corn for Freezing
Once the timer sounds, immediately transfer the corn to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the corn’s crispness and color. Let the corn sit in the ice bath until it cools. Once cooled, remove the corn from the ice bath. Using a large bowl or 9×13 dish, place a cob of corn in the dish and remove the corn from the cob using a sharp knife. I like to place the corn in a dish to remove the corn kernels from the cob so the water doesn’t spill all over the counter. I hold the corn near the top of the cob and slice downward towards the counter. You can also use certain potato peelers instead of a knife.
How Do You Package Corn for the Freezer?
Place the corn into freezer-safe bags or containers. I like to put enough in each bag for one meal for our family. Squeeze out excess air to minimize freezer burn. I like to try and be certain the bags lay flat in the freezer. This takes up less space in the freezer. Seal the bags or containers tightly.
Labelling and Storage Tips
Use a permanent marker to label each bag or container with the date of freezing. You can also put the measurement on the bag if you desire. Place your corn in your freezer. Frozen corn can be stored for up to 12 months.
How Do You Cook Corn That Has Been Frozen?
To use your frozen corn, remove the freezer bag from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. You can also boil or steam the corn from frozen for about 5-7 minutes. We typically always use a steamer to cook our corn. It’s a quick and easy way to get a veggie on the table on those busy weeknights.
Have You Thought Of Freezing Other Vegetables?
Corn isn’t the only thing that freezes well. Tomatoes freeze well too! Tomatoes will last up to 12 months in the freezer. You can use them in soups, stews, pasta sauces and so much more. The best thing about freezing tomatoes is you can freeze them WHOLE! That’s right, whole! Check out my blog post ‘Can You Freeze Tomatoes Whole? Everything You Need To Know Before You Begin!’ It will answer all of your questions.
Comment Below
Freezing corn on the cob is a simple way that allows you to savour the flavours of summer even during the coldest months. By following these simple steps, you can stock your freezer with delicious, farm-fresh local corn that will add a burst of flavour to your meals throughout the year. No more settling for canned corn when you can have the real deal from your freezer! Do you think you will try freezing corn this fall? Comment below and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
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