Fresh, sweet corn on the cob is a summertime staple. Whether you grill it, boil it, or wrap it in bacon, some of the best cookout recipes involve seasonal corn. But just because the summer is coming to an end (and your cookouts are, too) doesn't mean you need to say goodbye to corn on the cob. Fresh corn is one of those vegetables that freezes surprisingly well. Sure, you’ve seen bags of corn kernels in the freezer aisle of the supermarket, but here’s what you need to know about how to freeze corn that’s still on the cob.
Just like you can freeze tomatoes or freeze summer squash, corn is a seasonal veggie that's easily frozen. The key is to get the freshest corn possible during the peak sunny season, so it's at its best when you freeze it. Head to the farmers' market and look for corn that’s firm with a bright green husk and silk strands that aren't dried out. Then, you'll need to know how to shuck and boil corn. But don't worry, we've broken down the method in four easy steps so anyone can do it! The next thing you know, you'll be making your favorite corn recipes during the off-season.
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Shuck the corn.
Remove the husks and silks from the corn, then snap off any long ends for easier storage.
Step 2: Blanch the corn.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the corn on the cob and cook two to three minutes. Remove the ears from the water, then submerge them in a bowl filled with ice water to shock them, or to stop them from cooking.
Step 3: Drain and let cool.
Lay the corn on the cob out on a paper towel–lined baking sheet to drain. It is important that your corn is dry and cooled before you freeze it so ice crystals don't form, which might make the corn soggy when you reheat it later. You can place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process or just let the corn cool to room temperature on the counter if you have the time.
Step 4: Wrap and freeze.
Tightly wrap the cooled corn on the cob individually in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out any air before sealing, then store the bags of corn in the freezer.
How to Freeze Corn Kernels
While it might sound easier to freeze uncooked corn on the cob, it's not recommended. The process of boiling and blanching the corn first is the absolute best way to prepare your corn for the freezer. That's because this method will preserve the bright color and sweet flavor. It only takes a couple of minutes, but the extra steps will prevent the corn from becoming chewy or mushy when you defrost it.
If you want to freeze corn kernels instead, the same recommendation for cooking the corn first applies. Simply follow steps 1 to 3 above, then cut the corn off the cob and place the kernels in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
How Long Does Frozen Corn on the Cob Last?
The best part about freezing corn on the cob is that it will last about six to nine months in the freezer, so you won't have to be without fresh corn for long. You can label your storage bags with the date before freezing. When you're ready to use it, just give the corn a quick boil for a few minutes to heat it through.
How to Reheat Frozen Corn
To reheat your corn on the cob, simply place it straight from the freezer into a pot of boiling water and cook until tender. There's no need to thaw your corn before boiling it! That’s what makes frozen corn on the cob so easy to use.
