Can You Freeze Corn On The Cob?

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Sweet corn is a common ingredient in practically every cuisine. Although it is generally accessible all year, it may be much cheaper during peak season, which runs from May through September.

If you use this starchy vegetable often, you may want to stock up on it. Freezing is one of the simplest means of preservation.

It’s a no-brainer to freeze corn. It’s easy to understand. Anyone can do it; no particular cooking skills are necessary. It may be frozen in a variety of ways, depending on how it will be used in future dishes. Continue reading to find out how to properly freeze corn!

Preparing Corn For Freezing

To properly freeze corn, do not put it in the freezer immediately away. There are a few basic prerequisites for good freezing. Most essential, we must blanch it to destroy germs and improve quality preservation.

Some individuals may attempt to freeze corn on the cob with the husk, but we recommend removing the husk for better results.

Here’s a quick approach to preparing corn for freezing.

  • 1. Choose ears with vivid green husks and golden brown silks that have been recently plucked. Plump and delicate kernels are preferred. Those with withered husks, molds, or poor places should be avoided.
  • 2. Remove the husks and silks and trim the ears.
  • 3. Wash the corn cobs under running water without using soap.
  • 4. Sort them out by size.

You may freeze corn on the cob or entire kernels from here. Blanching is strongly advised in either case since raw kernels do not freeze properly.

How to Freeze Corn on the Cob

1. Bring a big pot of water to a boil and fill a large basin with ice water.

2. Blanch the prepared cobs for the timeframes listed below, depending on their size:

7 minutes in small ears (diameter up to 1 inch or 3.2 cm).

9 minutes in medium ears (diameters ranging from 1 to 1 inch or 3.2 cm to 3.8 cm).

11 minutes with large ears (diameters ranging from 1 inch to 3.8 cm).

Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the corn cobs. Blanch several at once to prevent overflowing the pot.

3. Use a timer to prevent under- or overcooking.

4. When the timer goes off, take them from the hot water with tongs.

5. Immediately plunge them into the cold water bath to halt the cooking. Quick cooling is essential to avoid an unpleasant cobby flavor. When blanching a large number of them, remember to refill the ice water.

6. Allow them to cool as soon as possible. As a general rule, cool blanched cobs throughout the duration of the blanching process.

7. Drain and brush off excess water in a colander. To fully dry them, use a paper towel.

8. Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for a couple of hours.

9. Once frozen, remove them from the freezer.

10. Wrap them in cling wrap separately and place them in a freezer bag.

11. Remove as much air as possible from the package and tightly seal it.

12. Mark the freezing date and freeze for an extended period of time.

Freezing Corn Kernels

Frozen corn kernels are in helpful for fast salads, soups, and a variety of other recipes. Before freezing, they may be blanched, roasted, or grilled.

  1. Bring a big saucepan of water to a boil and fill a basin with ice water to blanch. Blanch corn ears for 4 minutes in boiling water. Make sure they are completely immersed in the hot water.
  2. Once the blanching time is over, place them in an ice water bath for 4 minutes.
  3. Drain them off thoroughly.
  4. 3 is the kernel depth.Using a sharp knife or a corn peeler, cut approximately 2 inches of kernels off the cob.
  5. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. Pre-freezing helps the kernels to freeze individually rather than in a clump.
  6. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container.
  7. Expel any surplus air from the bag and carefully shut it.
  8. Write the freezing date on the packaging and place it in the freezer.

Thawing and How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob

When you need to make fast meals, having frozen corn on hand comes in useful. You may prepare it just as you would a store-bought one.

Frozen corn on the cob is an excellent snack on its own. Simply remove the covering and heat it for a few minutes until it is warm enough to eat. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, the frozen kernels may be used in soups, salads, corn salsa, stir-fries, and other dishes that call for the starchy vegetable. Because they are separately frozen, you can simply take a sufficient quantity for your dish.

There is no need to defrost it if you want to cook it. Simply place it in the pan and let it to defrost while you cook. If you still need to defrost it, you may do it quickly in the refrigerator or microwave.

See more: How to Reheat Corn on the Cob

How Long Can You Freeze Corn?

Corn keeps its freshness for 8 to 12 months after freezing. It may be okay to consume beyond this period, but the primary problem is freezer burn. To ensure the safety and quality of frozen goods, keep them at 0 F.

FAQs

Can you blanch corn in the microwave?

You certainly can. Microwave blanching, on the other hand, is ineffective at inactivating enzymes that cause color, taste, and texture loss, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation. It also does not save time or energy. Check out our recommendations for properly blanching corn above.

Does corn need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Fresh corn on the cob should be wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Only shuck the husks right before you use it. Freezing is the most convenient method for long-term storage. Follow the instructions above to properly freeze this starchy vegetable.

Can you freeze corn salad?

Corn salad is best served the same day it is prepared. Fresh ingredients do not freeze well and become mushy and watery when thawed. The corn should be frozen separately and used to make the salad.

Summary

Sweet corn is a summertime staple and an excellent complement to a variety of meals. Freezing is a simple and effective method for preserving this starchy vegetable.

Check out our instructions for freezing corn on the cob and full kernels for year-round storage. This way, you may have a delightful taste of summer whenever you choose!

Check more guides:

  • Freezing carrots
  • Freezing zucchini
  • Freezing eggplants

*image by mvg68/depositphotos

FAQs

Can you freeze corn on the cob without cooking it first?

If you don’t cook the corn on the cob before freezing it, the texture when you thaw it will be sticky and mushy. This is not ideal! The nicest texture comes from blanching the maize (see above). It simply takes a few of minutes.

What is the best way to freeze fresh corn on the cob?

Place the corn on a pan or on a baking sheet after patting it dry. Place them in the freezer for a few hours to freeze. Remove the frozen corn on the cob and cover it securely in plastic wrap. Return to the freezer in a ziptop freezer bag.

Can you freeze fresh corn on the cob without blanching?

If you’re wondering if you can freeze corn without blanching it beforehand, the answer is yes! When freezing corn kernels, be sure to provide enough room for the kernels to breathe. Corn kernels should be frozen in a single layer.

What is the best way to freeze corn on the cob in the husk?

Instructions
In a plastic freezer bag, lay fresh corn on the cob with the husk still attached.
Remove surplus air from the bag and seal it.
Apply a label and a date on the bag using a marker. Keep in the freezer for up to 4 months.
When ready to eat, take from freezer and prepare using your preferred frozen corn cooking technique.

What happens if you freeze corn without blanching?

Corn on the cob can be frozen whole without blanching; you’ll simply have fewer options for cooking it, since the corn is more prone to acquire a chewy or mushy texture.

Can you freeze corn on cob in husk uncooked?

Yes! The main advantage of freezing corn on the cob in its husk is that it does not need to be blanched beforehand. The thick husks also assist to avoid freezer burn. However, omitting the blanching step reduces the shelf life of your frozen corn.

Is it better to freeze corn on the cob or off?

It is preferable to freeze corn with the husk still on to avoid freezer burn. However, shucking them ahead of time will save you time afterwards.

Do you thaw frozen corn on the cob before cooking?

There is no need to defrost the corn before cooking it; just use it directly from the freezer.

How long do you boil corn on the cob for freezing?

Boil the corn.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a roaring boil. Add the corn cobs to the saucepan with tongs and cook for 4 minutes. Blanching helps to maintain the texture and sweetness of maize by breaking it down over time.

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