Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob?

Can you freeze corn on the cob if you have more than you can use up? Fresh corn on the cob dripping with butter is the essence of summer. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any backyard barbecue. For most of us, the season for fresh corn on the cob is fleeting, leading many to wonder whether you can freeze corn on the cob while it’s still fresh. 

It’s easy to over-buy when you spot a huge pile of corn on the cob at the grocery for $1 (or less) per ear. But corn doesn’t stay at peak freshness for long. Can you freeze fresh corn on the cob? What if you’ve already husked it? Summer corn is always best when eaten fresh, but if you have a bit left over, there are many ways you can successfully freeze corn on the cob so you can enjoy a little of summer’s bounty later in the year. 

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• Can Corn on the Cob Be Frozen?
• How To Freeze Corn on the Cob
• Should I Thaw Frozen Corn on the Cob Before Cooking?

Can Corn on the Cob Be Frozen?

Corn on the cob is one of the joys of summer. It’s simple yet so satisfying and it goes with just about anything. When you see ears of fresh corn at the farmer’s market, it can be nearly impossible to resist. We’ve been there, especially when corn is so abundant that it’s selling for mere pennies. But the quality of fresh corn degrades fairly quickly. So the question arises, can you freeze corn on the cob? If you can’t use your bounty within two days of purchase, you can freeze corn on the cob to preserve it for later.

Can You Freeze Fresh Corn on the Cob?

Can you freeze fresh corn on the cob? You can, but fresh corn tastes best so try to use it right away. In a perfect world, fresh corn can stay on your counter for up to two days (don’t refrigerate fresh corn or the sweetness will suffer). If you know you won’t use up all of it, you can freeze fresh corn on the cob but you should do so as soon as possible. Don’t stare at it for three days and then decide to freeze. By then, your corn will have lost some of the sugar content that makes it so delicious because the natural sugars that give corn its sweetness begin to degrade as soon as it’s picked. 

Can You Freeze Cooked Corn on the Cob?

What if you cooked more corn than you can eat? Can you freeze cooked corn on the cob? This is actually the best way to freeze your corn, as long as you cook it by boiling it in water. The best method to prepare corn for freezing is to blanch it, so if you boil your corn on the cob for at least seven minutes you can cool it off and toss it directly into a freezer-safe bag.

What if you cooked your fresh corn on the cob by microwaving or grilling it? You can freeze cooked corn on the cob that has been microwaved or grilled, but the texture will change.

Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk?

It seems like the natural husk would protect corn on the cob in the freezer, so can you freeze corn on the cob that is still in the husk? Freezing corn in the husk is fine, but for better results, it makes more sense to husk it and blanch it first. The husk will offer some protection, but without blanching your corn will suffer from color and texture degradation.

How To Freeze Corn on the Cob

Can you freeze corn on the cob whole or should you cut the kernels off first? The answer to that depends on how you plan to use your corn later. You can freeze corn on the cob whole if you are okay with the texture being a little mushy when you eat it later. A great use for frozen corn on the cob is to toss it into your crawfish or shrimp boil. You can also freeze corn on the cob for recipes like corn ribs. 

In most cases, frozen corn works better off the cob. It’s easy to grab a handful or two of frozen corn kernels for use in soups, stews or stir-fry. It takes a little patience and skill to cut corn off the cob, but it’s easier to store as kernels. Hold your cob upright in a wide-mouth bowl and use a sharp knife. Slice from top to bottom using a sawing motion and your kernels will slide right into the bowl. 

How To Blanch Corn on the Cob for Freezing

You can freeze corn on the cob for several months if you blanch it first. To prepare, completely remove the husk and silk, and trim the ends. How long to blanch corn on the cob for freezing? Boil whole ears of corn in water for seven minutes and then transfer to an ice bath. Blanching kills enzymes that affect color and texture. The ice bath helps to stop the cooking process so that the kernels are at their ideal crispness when you transfer them to the freezer. Cool the corn completely and dry the corn cobs thoroughly before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Another option is to cut the kernels off the cob first and then blanch. In that scenario, you’ll only need to boil for four minutes before draining and transferring to an ice bath to cool. 

How To Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk

If you don’t have time to husk your corn, you can freeze corn on the cob in the husk. You’ll still want to store it in a freezer-safe bag and extract as much air as possible before sealing. If you use this method, try to use up your corn as soon as possible because the husk doesn’t fully protect the corn from the effects of freezing.

How To Freeze Corn on the Cob Without Blanching

If you don’t have time to blanch, you can freeze corn on the cob without doing so. You should still package it in freezer bags versus just throwing it in the freezer with only the husk as your container. Can you freeze corn on the cob without blanching if you cut the kernels off first? Yes, and this is the best way to go if you don’t blanch it. 

Should I Wrap Corn on the Cob in Plastic Wrap Before Freezing?

If you’ve blanched your corn on the cob, it’s not a bad idea to wrap each cob in plastic wrap before placing it into a freezer bag. It’s not crucial, but it adds another layer of protection from freezer burn.

How Long Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob For?

You can freeze corn on the cob either whole or as kernels but try to use the frozen product up as quickly as possible for the best texture and flavor. If you’ve used a blanching method, you can freeze corn on the cob for up to six months. Without blanching, you should use it up within 60 days.

Do You Thaw Frozen Corn on the Cob Before Cooking?

How To Thaw Frozen Corn on the Cob

You can freeze corn on the cob for use when it’s out of season. If you want to thaw your corn, just place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. In most cases, it’s best to use it frozen. Even recipes like air fryer corn on the cob can be made using frozen corn. 

When fresh corn makes its seasonal appearance, take advantage. There are so many ways to enjoy fresh corn whether, whether you like the caveman style of eating it straight off the cob, of prefer to shed the kernels and use them in your favorite one-pot recipes. However you like to use it, if you find yourself with an embarrassment of these tasty golden riches, you can freeze corn on the cob as long as your corn is still fresh. By following a few simple steps, you'll ensure that your corn is as enjoyable off-season as it is in the height of summer.

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