How to Freeze Corn on the Cob

By: Helen Polaski

When freezing vegetables, the goal is to retain freshness as well as nutritional value, and the same holds true if you want to know how to freeze corn on the cob. To get the best results, choose the corn you plan to freeze carefully, and blanch it before putting it in the freezer.

Freeze Fresh Corn: Picking corn at the right time will help you achieve your goal. If possible, grow and pick your own corn. If you don't have a garden of your own, you can always contact a local farmer. Plan to be onsite when the corn is picked. That way, you'll be sure to get it as fresh as possible.

Old corn on the cob that is frozen will taste like old corn on the cob when it's thawed again a few months down the road. On the other hand, if you freeze fresh sweet corn, it will be just as sweet and good when you get ready to eat it, even if that's months down the road.

Preparing and Blanching the Corn: If you can't freeze the corn immediately, make sure you keep it cold until you can. This will keep the corn as fresher. As soon as produce is picked, the sugar starts to break down. In just a few days that process can create a product that is stale and tasteless.

As soon as you are able, husk the corn, and remove as much of the silk as possible. It won't hurt if some of the corn silk remains on the cob, but it will be unsightly. Place the shucked cobs into large pots of boiling water, and fill a cleaned and sterilized sink (or large tub) with ice cold water. Make sure the water is boiling when you begin.

Leave the cobs in the boiling water for about six minutes. As soon as the corn has been blanched, remove it from the hot water, and plunge it into the ice water to cool. Adding ice to the cold water is the best way to ensure the cobs will cool down quickly. Place the cooled cobs into strainers, and drain the excess water.

Freezing the Corn: Put the cobs of corn into freezer bags, and seal the bags. Insert a drinking straw into the bags, and draw out the excess air. Seal the bags, and place the corn on the cob in the freezer. The corn will last for between 9 to 12 months.

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