Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob?
Yes, you can freeze corn on the cob. You can freeze them with or without blanching them. They can last in the freezer for 8 to 12 months. The key is to dry them thoroughly and freeze them in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags.
Here is the ultimate guide on how to freeze and store corn on the cob with ease!
Let’s dive right into it.
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob?
If you are pressed for time or don't know how you plan to use the corn, later on, you can always freeze the corn without shucking it.
Materials
- Corn
Tools
- Ziploc Bag
Instructions
Cut and Prep: Cut off the top and bottom of the corn, getting rid of the dirt and hair or the corn. Then peel off the first layer of husk on the corn.
Pack and Seal: Transfer these corns on the cob into Ziploc bags and seal them. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air before sealing.
Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag with the best before date and you can freeze the corn till you need it next.
Here is a tutorial by “Debbie Food Prepping” on YouTube -
Freezing Corn on the Cob without Blanching
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Corn on the Cob
- Ziploc Bags
- Cling Wrap (Optional)
Once you remove the husk of the corn, you can use this simple and hassle-free method of freezing corn on the cob.
Prep the Corn
You could cut the corn on the cob in half or leave it whole, depending on how you plan to use them afterward. You could wrap each corn in cling wrap if you prefer.
Pack and Seal
Place the corn in a Ziploc bag and seal them. Make sure to remove all the excess air in the bag before sealing. You can use a straw to help make this step easier.
Label and Freeze
Add a label on the bag with the best before date and you are good to go.
Check out this video by “An Oregon Cottage” on YouTube to see how it is done –
Freezing Corn on the Cob after Blanching Them
Time Taken: 15 – 20 minutes
What you will need:
- Corn on the Cob
- Boiling Water
- Ice Bath
- Paper Towel
- Ziploc Bag
To keep the corn on the cob lasting fresh for longer, you can blanch them before you get to freezing them.
Prep and Clean
Remove the husk of the corn and clean it thoroughly. Make sure to get rid of the tiny hairs and dirt.
Blanch the Corn
Put the corn on the cob in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then transfer them into an ice bath to stop the corn from cooking further.
Dry the Corn
Using a paper towel, thoroughly dry the corn on the cob. Try and get rid of as much water as you can.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the corn into a Ziploc bag and seal them. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air before you do.
Label and Freeze
On the bag, add a label with the best before date and you are good to go.
Here is a cool video by “Useful Knowledge” on YouTube to show you how it is done –
How Long Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob?
You can freeze corn on the cob for 8 to 12 months. It is a great way to preserve the vegetable all year long.
The key is to make sure that it is thoroughly protected from freezer burns and is kept at a constant temperature.
If you blanch and freeze them in summers, they will taste just as good as fresh corn in winters.
Blanching the corn ensures that the enzymes don’t act on them and keeps the vibrant color and nutrient value intact. After blanching dry it thoroughly.
Otherwise, the water left on it can damage the corn once it freezes. Also, the fresher the corn is before freezing, the fresher it will taste after you thaw it.
So, if you are freezing store-bought corn on the cob, try and freeze them as soon as you can.
How to Store Frozen Corn on the Cob?
You can store corn on the cob in Ziploc bags or freezer-safe air-tight containers. But since corn on the cob can be bulky, it is best to use Ziploc bags to save space in the freezer.
You can store them with or without its husk on it. But the best method is to blanch them and portion them beforehand so that you won’t have to waste any once you thaw them.
How to Defrost Corn on the Cob?
You can defrost the corn on the cob by leaving it in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight and letting it thaw gradually.
You can then microwave or boil it to reheat it. But be careful not to overcook the corn on the cob as it can get chewy and stiff.
You could also directly thaw the corn on the cob by running some cold water over it or immersing it in a bowl of lukewarm water for a while.
Can You Refreeze Corn on the Cob?
It is best advised not to refreeze corn on the cob, even though it may be safe to eat it afterward. The corn on the cob can change in texture and taste after repeated freezing, making it unappealing.
Moreover, if the corn had been kept out, there are high chances of bacterial build-up, which can make it spoil faster and unsafe to eat.
To avoid having to refreeze the corn on the cob once it thaws, portion the corn beforehand or wrap them individually so that you can pull out just the right amount for a mealtime.
This way you can avoid thawing a big batch to eat just a few.
Does Corn on the Cob Freeze Well?
Yes, corn on the cob freezes well and can last in the freezer for a whole year. They freeze best when they have been blanched beforehand.
But it shouldn’t be overcooked, in which case it can get mushy once it thaws.
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze corn on the cob in foil. Instead of wrapping them in cling wrap you could use metal foil instead and follow any of the methods mentioned above.
The key is to wrap the corn thoroughly to make sure that they are not exposed to air or freezer burns.
Yes, you can freeze corn with its husk. But be sure to cut off the top and bottom with the hair at the top.
Peel off the first layer of the husk just to make sure that no dirt or worm gets trapped while freezing the corn.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you freeze and store corn in the cob for the long term.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing tips and tricks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and loved ones.