In the Husk or Out of the Husk, Blanched or Not, You Have Options!

If you’re growing corn, you’ll want to know how to best preserve it, come corn harvesting time. We asked the GardensAll community on their best tips for how to freeze corn on the cob. There’s a lot of wisdom to be gained from the real world experience of those who’ve been doing it, year after year.

What we’re in the process of doing is testing each method to come up with our favorite method, but that takes time. Rather than make you wait if you’re looking for help, you need it now, we’re publishing the assorted tips on how to freeze fresh corn on the cob.

What we can tell you early on is that — as with most things, there is no ONE right way! Most of these methods yield similar good results. I mean, if you’re starting with your precious homegrown corn on the cob, or even some you bought at the farmers market or grocer, well, chances are, it’s going to taste great!

After that, it boils down to preference as well as storage space. For example, some folks like to Freeze Fresh Corn on the Cob in the husk. But if you’re a little low on storage space you’ll save space by shucking corn before freezing.

Okay… let’s get to it!

How to Freeze Fresh Corn on the Cob

How to Blanch Fresh Corn on the Cob

1. Shuck corn clean
2. Cut – Remove stem (by cutting or snapping off); and trim narrow end if needed
3. Blanch Corn –
   • Put corn on the cob into boiling water for 1 minute
   • Turn off heat; place all of the cobs of corn in a large bowl or pot of ice water
   • Cool completely (5-10 minutes)
   • Dry well with a clean towel
4. Freeze – place corn cobs into a zip bag or vacuum seal into serving size lots
   

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How to Freeze Fresh Corn on the Cob in the Husks

One lady said that she found it’s easier to just put the corn into the freezer whole. Here’s what she does:

1. Layer 4-6 ears of unhusked corn onto a piece of freezer paper
   • Top first row with another piece of freezer paper
   • Lay out 4-6 more ears corn on the cob with the husk
   • Repeat process
2. Store in paper grocery bags or zipper bags into serving size lots
   • Label & date
   • Can store up to a year or two
3. Thaw ~15 minutes on counter (or 1-2 minutes in microwave)
4. Shuck – peel of husk; should peel right off
5. Eat – cook according to preference
   • cold
   • steamed
   • microwaved to warm
   • enjoy from cob, or…
   • cut from cob and use in dish, such as this corn salsa with black beans recipe.

I leave mine in shuck and freeze in large paper bags, then I just cook with shuck on. You can put on grill or oven and when you shuck the silks comes off.
~Georgia Bass Netherland

We’d love to hear your tips and add them here.

You may also be interested in this article on freezing cucumbers and also freezing avocados.