Corn on the cob is a summertime staple, but what if you want to enjoy it in the winter? Can you freeze corn in their husks? The answer is yes! In fact, freezing corn in the husk is one of the best ways to preserve its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it.
Yes! You can actually freeze corn in the husk and it’s really quite simple.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Place fresh corn on the cob with the husk in place in a plastic freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing excess air.
- Use a marker to place a label and date on the bag.
- Store in freezer for up to 4 months.
That’s it! When you’re ready to use, simply remove from the freezer and husk as you would fresh corn.
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Three Tips for Storing Corn in the Husk
One of the best ways to enjoy fresh corn is to know how to properly store it. Here are three tips to keep in mind when storing corn in the husk:
- Choose fresh corn. The husk of the corn should be green and tightly wrapped around the corn. If the husk is dry or brown, that means the corn is no longer fresh.
- Keep the husks on the corn. Leave the husk on the corn to seal in the moisture and keep the veggie from drying out in the refrigerator.
- Place the corn in a plastic produce bag. This will help to further seal in moisture and keep the corn from getting freezer burn.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh corn all season long!
Can I freeze raw corn on the cob?
If you don’t cook your fresh-picked corn within a day or so, consider freezing corn, either on the cob or cut. That way you can enjoy the taste of summer even in the cold winter months.
Here are some tips for freezing corn:
- Corn on the cob: Blanch ears of shucked corn in boiling water for four minutes, cool in ice water, then drain and dry. Wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. Label and date the bag, and freeze for up to eight months.
- Cut corn: Cut kernels from ears of shucked corn, and blanch in boiling water for three minutes. Cool in ice water, drain and dry. Spread kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer kernels to a freezer bag. Label and date the bag, and freeze for up to eight months.
When you’re ready to use frozen corn, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to use it sooner, place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, and leave it until thawed.
Can you freeze fresh corn without cooking first?
The short answer is no. If you don’t cook the corn on the cob before freezing it, the texture will be gummy and mushy when you defrost it. Not ideal!
Simply blanching the corn will give you the best texture. Blanching is a quick process of boiling the corn for a few minutes then shocking it in ice water. This sets the color and texture of the corn so it doesn’t turn mushy when frozen.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for blanched corn on the cob:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the corn and let cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Using tongs, transfer the corn to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the corn and dry on paper towels.
Now your corn is ready to be frozen!
- Place the corn in freezer bags,
- remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly.
- Label and date the bags, then place in the freezer.
- The corn will be good for 6-8 months.
How long can I keep corn in the husk?
Corn is best eaten the same day it’s purchased. If that isn’t possible, store unhusked ears of corn loose in the refrigerator – don’t bunch them together in a plastic bag. For best flavor, use corn within two days.
Keep husked corn refrigerated, in plastic bags, and use within two days.
Here are some tips to help your corn stay fresh:
- Don’t wash the corn until you’re ready to cook it. The moisture will promote rotting.
- For longer storage, dry the ears of corn thoroughly after husking.
- Store dried corn in a cool, dry place.
Can you freeze fresh corn on the cob without blanching?
Yes, you can freeze corn on the cob without blanching it first. There are a few things to keep in mind, though, if you’re planning to do this.
- The corn is more likely to develop a chewy or mushy character when it’s cooked.
- It’s best to use corn that’s as fresh as possible.
- You’ll need to take care when reheating the corn so that it doesn’t become overcooked.
If you’re still set on freezing your corn without blanching it, here’s what you need to do:
- Select fresh corn that is as close to the same size as possible. This will help ensure even cooking.
- Husks should be green and tight-fitting. Brown or loose husks can indicate that the corn is past its prime.
- Remove the husks and silks from the corn.
- Place the ears of corn in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label and date the bag, then place in the freezer.
The best way to reheat frozen corn is to cook it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. You can also thaw it overnight in the fridge and then cook it according to your recipe.
