How To Freeze Corn: 3 Best Ways

Learn how to freeze corn on the cob and corn kernels with and without blanching! Enjoy corn beyond summertime using these unbelievably easy methods.

Want to learn how to freeze corn kernels? What about corn on the cob?

Do you really need to blanch corn?

What if we just freeze corn while they’re still on their husks?

In this comprehensive but easy-to-follow guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about freezing corn at home.

We’ll even tackle how to prepare corn for freezing so you can pick the method that works best for you!

So whether you love corn on the cob or corn kernels, this read will help you savor summer’s crop even after the sunny season. 🌽

What Is The Best Corn To Freeze?

Before we discuss the best ways to freeze corn, let’s first find out what is the best corn to freeze.

According to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, we can freeze sweet corn varieties without issues.

To name some examples, Bodacious and Incredible are excellent yellow sweet corn varieties, while those who prefer white varieties can consider Silver King and Silver Princess.

For bi-color corn lovers, Temptation and Delectable are good varieties for freezing. Who knew corn varieties have such fun names?

If you are freezing corn, chances are it’s because you want to enjoy the summer crop later in the year, even if it’s no longer in season. So, how do you pick a corn that will freeze well?

Of course, select fresh corn. These cobs typically have bright green husks tight to the ears of corn.

The husk is not dry, and the cob is covered with plump, firm, and not-too-mature kernels from top to bottom.

Oh! And here’s an additional tip from PennState Extension: It’s best to preserve corn within 6, or much better, 2 hours of harvest, so waste no time and get started on freezing those crops ASAP!

Is it better to freeze corn on the cob or off the cob?

You can freeze either corn on the cob or whole kernels. You can even freeze cream-style corn!

Just note that freezing corn on the cob will take up more space in the freezer. Some people also prefer freezing corn off the cob because uncut corn is prone to having a “cobby” taste. This usually happens if the cobs are not cooled completely after blanching!

Finally, work with small amounts of corn at a time. It’s recommended not to freeze more than 2 pounds per cubic foot of freezer capacity per day.

Method 1: How To Freeze Corn On The Cob

1. Shuck corn.
2. Remove its silk.
3. Trim out any damaged kernels. You can also trim off the ends of the ears to remove the fibrous kernels.
4. Wash ears.
5. Blanch the ears in boiling water. This usually takes 7 to 11 minutes, depending on the size of the ears.
6. Cool the ears down in cold water. Drain.
7. Wrap each ear in freezer foil, then arrange them in freezer bags.
8. Remember to squeeze out the air in the bags before sealing. Then, label the bags with the date.

How to freeze corn on the cob without blanching

1. Remove the husks and silks of the corn.
2. Place the corn cobs in freezer-safe, moisture and vapor-resistant bags. Don’t forget to push the air out!
3. Seal, then label the bags. Unblanched frozen corn usually lasts up to 6 months.

Method 2: How To Freeze Corn Off The Cob (Blanched)

How to freeze whole kernel corn

1. Place the ears of corn in boiling water. Blanch them for about 3 minutes.
2. Cool the ears and drain.
3. Cut kernels from the cob. No need to scrape the cob. Just cut at about 2/3 to 3/4 of the depth of the kernels.
4. Fill freezer-safe containers or bags with whole kernel corn. Don’t forget to leave 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Seal the containers, then label them with the date.

How to freeze corn kernels (Cream-style corn)

Besides freezing whole kernels, did you know you can also prepare cream-style corn for freezing?

1. Blanch the ears of corn for about 4 minutes.
2. Cool and drain.
3. Cut the kernels from the cob. Unlike whole-kernel corn, you will scrape the cob with the back of a knife.
4. When cutting kernels off the cob for cream-style corn, do it at about one-half of the depth of the kernels.
5. Store cream-style corn kernels in freezer-safe containers or bags with 1/2 to 1 inch of headspace.
6. Seal and label the containers.

Method 3: How To Freeze Corn Kernels (Unblanched)

For my fellow lazy-bones, here’s how to freeze corn without blanching because, yes, it’s totally possible to skip that step altogether!

1. Cut the corn kernels off the cob.
2. Transfer them into freezer-safe containers with enough headspace. If using freezer bags, remember to squeeze any remaining air out.
3. Seal, then label. Raw corn kernels should last up to 12 months in the freezer.

How to freeze cream-style corn without blanching

Freezing corn off the cob without blanching also works with cream-style corn:

1. Cut and scrape the corn kernels off the cob. You don’t need to blanch the cobs first.
2. While constantly stirring, heat up the cream-style corn kernels in a double boiler for 10 minutes.
3. Once thick, transfer the cream-style corn’s pan to an ice bath to cool it down.
4. Store in a freezer-safe, moisture and vapor-proof container with 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Seal and label.

How Do You Prepare Corn Before Freezing?

Preparing corn before freezing is quite simple. Remove their husks and silks, trim off the ends and damaged kernels, then wash the ears before blanching.

Do you need to blanch corn before freezing?

You don’t need to blanch corn before freezing. However, it’s best to blanch corn if you intend to store it for some time.

When timing the blanching process, start the clock when the water returns to a boil. Then, you need to chill the corn to keep it from becoming mushy, as the heat can overcook the starch in the corn.

Cool your fresh summer corn as long as it takes to blanch it. Are you writing these tips down? ✍️

Is it better to blanch corn before freezing?

It’s better to blanch corn before freezing.

While freezing corn on the cob without blanching is possible, and you can also freeze unblanched corn kernels without issues, it’s overall better to blanch corn before freezing.

Blanching and then chilling corn in ice water will ensure you’ll get the best quality on your corn, as mentioned by the University of Minnesota Extension.

Why? According to Utah State University Extension, this extra step will stop the corn’s ripening process! As a result, you won’t encounter texture changes and loss of color, flavor, and nutrients on your frozen corn.

Do You Peel Corn Before Freezing?

While shucking corn is usually the first step for preparing it before freezing, it’s also possible to leave the husk on when you freeze corn on the cob.

This makes the process much less demanding, so I’m definitely using this method when I don’t feel like peeling corn!

How to freeze corn on the cob in the husk

1. Cut a few inches off the ends of each corn ear.
2. Place the corn in a freezer-safe bag.
3. Vacuum seal the bags to ensure that there is no air left inside.
4. Vacuum-sealed corn in the husk can last up to a year in the freezer. To remove the husks and silks easily, thaw the corn before use.

Can I freeze corn with the husk on and without blanching?

You can freeze corn with the husk on without blanching since the husk can protect corn from freezer burn. However, blanching is still preferred for extended storage.

If you freeze corn in their husks without blanching, it’s best to use them within 4 months, or their quality won’t be as desirable.

How Long Does Corn Stay Fresh In The Freezer?

With blanching and proper packing, corn can stay fresh for up to 9 months in the freezer. However, make sure to freeze your corn at 0°F.

If you want to store your corn for longer, canned corn will maintain its quality for 18 months up to 6 years!

What is the best container to freeze corn in?

The best containers to freeze corn in are freezer-safe containers and moisture and vapor-resistant freezer bags.

If storing corn on the cob, wrap each ear separately in freezer foil or film before placing them in a freezer bag.

And, of course, don’t forget to ensure a 1/2-inch headspace for corn in freezer containers and always remove excess air when storing them in freezer bags.

What does freezer burned corn look like?

Preparing and packaging corn is crucial to prevent freezer burn. Freezer-burned corn has discolored kernels.

How To Cook Frozen Corn

You can cook frozen corn on the cob in the microwave, grill, or crockpot. You can even steam or boil it!

Here’s an easy grilled corn on the cob recipe with no thawing needed:

1. Wrap each corn cob in foil with some butter.
2. Season the ears with salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat, and you’re done.

What about frozen corn kernels? You also don’t need to thaw them.

Just rinse and drain the corn kernels to remove ice crystals.

Then, cook them in butter over medium-high heat.

Season with some sugar, and after about 5 minutes, your corn should be ready. Taste of summer made easy!

Want other yummy corn recipes? Try something new, savor our Nigerian vegetable salad with corn kernels, or transform your cobs into air fryer corn ribs! 😋

How Do You Preserve Corn For A Long Time?

Want to preserve corn for a long period? Nothing beats canning!

At 40°F. canned corn can last up to 6 years! However, it will lose quality after only 18 months if stored at 90°F. If you haven’t noticed yet, the temperature is very crucial with corn preservation!

FAQ About Frozen Corn

Conclusion

And there you have it!

You now know not just how to freeze corn but also the best way to prepare it before freezing.

So what are some key takeaways I’d like you to remember from this corn freezing 101 guide?

Well, it’s up to you if you want to blanch the corn or not, but I suggest blanching them anyway, as it helps preserve the overall quality of corn for a longer period.

You can also freeze corn on the cob with and without husks if you have enough space in your freezer.

And finally, you don’t always need to defrost your frozen corn before using it.Just find the best frozen corn recipe that works for your lazy-bones! 😅

Now that you know the secrets to a successful corn-freezing experience, here are other helpful reads related to frozen food and food storage:

• Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
• Does Corn Syrup Go Bad?
• How To Freeze Dry Peaches
• How To Freeze Zucchini
• How To Reheat Frozen Lasagna Without It Drying Out
• How To Freeze Kefir Grains Without Ruining It!
• 3 Things You Must Know About Freezing Cakes And Cupcakes

These are just the tip of the (knowledge) iceberg, so check our index of food-related questions and answers for more.