This is how to freeze fresh corn the grocery store style. It’s a simple way to get kernels off the cob and store in the freezer so when it’s time to use sweet corn in recipes all you’ll have to do is reach for these sweet kernels.
To break it down there are 2 different ways to freeze fresh corn. You either freeze uncooked corn and then cook after freezing or you partially cook the corn before freezing and then use straight into recipes. It’s that simple. Blanching corn is the partially cooked method and it softens up the kernels just enough to slice aside the cob. I took the plunge to make my own freezer style corn after a Mennonite lady told me how she blanched her corn. Her technique was done in bulk outside using a pillowcase but I’ve converted that technique to a stovetop friendly version of 12 corn ears.
So how do you blanch corn?
Blanching corn is basically just boiling the corn in water for up to 3 minutes then submerging into ice-cold water to stop any further cooking. This partially cooked method softens the corn kernels and makes the cutting off the cob process easy enough to handle.
How can you freeze corn without blanching?
To freeze corn without any cooking, peel the husks and silks off the corn. Cut into desired chunks, leave whole or cut kernels off the cob (raw) and store into zip-loc bags in the freezer. When it is time to use, you could either boil the cobs in boiling water (about 3-5 minutes), saute the kernels, or throw into soups but cooking is recommended for any forms of uncooked corn. Here is an article covering 3 ways to freeze corn the blanched, unblanched way, and whole.
Ingredients for freezer corn:
- 12 ears of fresh corn, shucked
How to freeze sweet corn:
1. Remove husks and silk of the corn, (another word, shuck.)
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place whole corn into the boiling water and boil for 3 minutes.
3. Meanwhile prepare a large bowl of iced water. Remove the hot corn of ears from the pot and submerge into the ice-cold water. When the corn is cool enough to handle remove and pat dry with a towel.
4. Stand an ear of corn onto a cutting board with the narrow end pointing up. Run a sharp knife as close to the side of the cob, down to remove the kernels. Transfer all kernels to a large tray and flash freeze kernels until solid. Transfer solid kernels into a zip-lock bag and store frozen.
Recipes using corn kernels:
How to Freeze Fresh Corn (Grocery Store Style)
Ingredients
- 12 ears of fresh corn shucked
Instructions
- Remove husks and silk off the corn, (another words, shuck.)
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place whole corn into the boiling water and boil 3 minutes.
- Meanwhile prepare a large bowl of iced water. Remove the hot corn of ears from the pot and submerge into the ice cold water. When the corn is cool enough to handle remove and pat dry with a towel.
- Stand an ear of corn onto a cutting board with the narrow end pointing up. Run a sharp knife as close to the side of the cob, down to remove the kernels. Transfer all kernels to a large tray and flash freeze kernels until solid. Transfer solid kernels into a zip-loc bag and store frozen.
