Preparing Corn On The Cob For Freezing
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh corn on the cob, especially during the summertime. However, if you end up with an overabundance of corn, or if you want to enjoy the taste of summer all year round, freezing your corn on the cob is a great option.
If you’re new to freezing corn on the cob, don't worry. This article will guide you through the steps needed to properly prepare and freeze your corn.
Choosing The Right Corn
The first step in preparing corn on the cob for freezing is choosing the right corn. Select ears of corn that have been freshly picked and are as mature as possible, but not overly ripe. The kernels should be plump and filled all the way to the tip of the ear. If purchasing corn from a farmers market, ask the vendor when the corn was picked to ensure it's fresh.
It's best to start the freezing process as soon as possible after the corn has been picked. This will ensure that the corn is at its freshest when it's frozen.
Preparing The Corn
Before freezing corn on the cob, it needs to be properly prepared. Start by removing the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Rinse it under cold water to remove any remaining silk, then pat it dry with a paper towel. For best results, try to remove all of the silk from each ear of corn as it can become tough and chewy after freezing.
The next step is blanching the corn. Blanching is the process of quickly boiling vegetables in water before cooling them down immediately in ice water. This process helps preserve the flavor, color, and texture of the food.
Blanching The Corn
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop the ears of corn into the boiling water and let them cook for 4-5 minutes. Once the corn has been boiled, remove it from the pot and immediately place it into a bowl of ice water. Let the corn cool in the ice water for 4-5 minutes.
Once the corn has cooled, remove it from the bowl and pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Now you are ready to freeze your corn on the cob.
Freezing The Corn
The most important step in freezing corn on the cob is to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It's recommended to use a vacuum sealer or freezer bags specifically designed for freezing vegetables. Be sure to label your bags with the date the corn was prepared and the type of corn.
Now you're ready to freeze your corn on the cob. Place the ears of corn into the freezer and let them freeze completely. Frozen corn on the cob can last up to 8-12 months in the freezer if prepared correctly.
Thawing The Corn
When you're ready to enjoy your fresh corn on the cob, remove the desired number of ears from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, cook the corn as you would fresh corn, either boiling or grilling for 6-8 minutes.
Now that you know how to properly prepare and freeze corn on the cob, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round without the worry of your corn going bad.