How To Freeze Corn On the Cob – Blanched and Unblanched

Corn season is in full swing, making it an ideal time to learn how to freeze corn on the cob. You'll get to enjoy the fresh taste of summer long after the season ends.

Towards the end of summer, many of our favorite vegetables are in season. Visit any farmers’ market around, and you will see rows upon rows of bright and delicious-looking produce. Instead of trying to eat your fill, it can be helpful to learn how to preserve it so you can enjoy it during the dark and dreary winter days. 

Corn is a particularly easy vegetable to save for later. We’ll show you how to freeze corn on the cob to make the most of this sweet summer treat. 

How to Freeze Corn on the Cob: 3 Ways

Freezing corn on the cob is very easy and does not require much prep work. You can use any of the following three methods to preserve this sweet taste of summer. 

Whole

Freezing corn on the cob whole is by far the easiest possible method. You simply need to husk the corn and remove all the silks. Then, place the cobs in a reusable freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible from the bag before closing and sticking in the freezer. Just remember to write the date on the bag, so you know when you put it in. 

Blanched

Another common method for freezing corn on the cob is to blanch the cobs. To do this, you will need to remove the husk and silk from the cobs before adding them to a boiling pot of water. Cook for 7-10 minutes (depending on the size of your cobs), remove from the water, and plunge into an ice bath. Pat dry and cut the corn off the cobs, place into reusable freezer bags or containers, and place in the freezer. 

Unblanched

You can eat corn on the cob raw, which also means you can freeze raw corn. To use this method, husk your corn and remove the silk. Then, cut the corn off the cob and spread it into a single layer on a baking tray. Flash freeze the corn kernels by placing the baking tray in the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until they feel frozen through. Then add the frozen kernels into a reusable freezer container or bag. 

Using Frozen Corn

Unblanched or whole corn will last up to 6 months in the freezer, while blanched corn is best used within 3 months of the freezing date. You can simply boil the cobs of corn or unblanched corn kernels when you’re ready to eat them, or you can use them as a base for more adventurous recipes. Consider using your frozen corn in the following ways: 

• Corn fritters
• Zucchini boats
• Sautéed corn
• Cowboy caviar
• Vegan tacos
• Stuffed peppers
• Vegan pizza topping

Read more: 

• How to Freeze Sweet Corn On & Off the Cob
• Homemade Southern Cornbread Recipe You Need to Try
• Preserving Plums: How to Enjoy Them All Year Round

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Tags: Food Freezing Green Living Guide Vegetables