Biting right into a juicy, tender-crisp, candy ear of corn on the cob within the peak of summer season is a factor of magnificence. However what occurs to your remaining corn when the season ends? Freezing corn on the cob is a straightforward and efficient strategy to protect the flavour and texture of this summertime favourite.
Freezing corn on the cob
Identical to freezing zucchini, there are three easy methods to freeze corn that can delay the lifetime of your crop, permitting you to take pleasure in a scrumptious style of summer season effectively into the winter months. Observe the simple steps outlined under for excellent frozen corn.
Technique 1: Entire Frozen Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Shuck the corn first — that’s, take away the inexperienced and white husk surrounding the corn on the cob, in addition to any strands of corn hair.
Step 2: Add the corn to a pot of salted boiling water so as to blanch the corn. Cook dinner the corn for 2 to 3 minutes, then take away with a set of tongs. Submerge in a bowl of ice water.
Step 3: Take away from the water tub, and let the corn drain and funky. Dry effectively with paper towels to keep up the corn’s texture because it freezes, then wrap every cob in plastic wrap to keep away from freezer burn and place in a plastic freezer bag, eradicating as a lot air as potential earlier than sealing. Freeze the entire cob for later use.
Alternatively, you may take away the kernels from the cob as soon as they’ve cooked and cooled, then freeze the corn kernels in a freezer-safe bag.
Technique 2: Blanched Corn Kernels
Step 1: On this methodology, take away the corn from the cob. It is useful to carry the corn upright, place it in a bowl, after which minimize in a downward movement into the bowl together with your kitchen knife. This manner, the bowl will catch the kernels as they fall off of the cob.
Step 2: Then, blanch the corn kernels in salted water for about two minutes. Take away the corn kernels with a spider strainer or pressure them in a colander within the sink.
Step 3: Pat the corn dry, let it cool, then freeze it in a plastic freezer bag as above.
Technique 3: Unblanched Corn Kernels
Step 1: To freeze contemporary corn kernels with out blanching them first, minimize the corn off of the corn cob and add the kernels to a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe silicone bag, eradicating as a lot as potential from the bag earlier than storing.
Step 2: Place within the freezer.
Find out how to reheat and serve frozen corn
Every number of frozen corn ought to be handled in another way based mostly on its particular freezing methodology.
Entire frozen corn on the cob
This can be utilized immediately from the freezer. Simply boil a pot of water, add the frozen entire corn on the cob, and boil for about 5 minutes. The corn is able to eat when a kernel simply ruptures with mild strain from the tip of a paring knife.
The corn will be served merely with butter, salt, and pepper, or faraway from the cob and added to a wide range of dishes. It might even be great garnished with contemporary herbs like cilantro or basil.
Blanched frozen corn kernels
Blanched corn kernels will be microwaved on excessive with just a few tablespoons of water for about two minutes, or till heated via. This methodology can be utilized for blanched frozen corn kernels that have been first cooked on the cob after which eliminated as effectively.
This methodology is closest to the frozen corn you will discover within the frozen part on the grocery retailer, which is already cooked and simply wants reheating. You need to use it as you may contemporary cooked corn, in salads, burritos, grain bowls, wraps, salsas, or simply as a facet dish with a little bit of brown butter.
“Frozen corn is a staple we hold in our freezer all 12 months spherical. It’s extremely useful to have for a wide range of methods we repurpose leftovers, resembling creating burritos and enchiladas with leftover meat. Plus, frozen corn retains extra of the dietary worth versus canned!”
— Siobhan Borland, Enjoyable Household Meals
Unblanched frozen corn kernels
For unblanched kernels, add them to a pot of salted, boiling water and prepare dinner for 3 to 5 minutes, or till warmed via.
Contemporary corn that is been frozen utilizing this methodology will stay contemporary for as much as 12 months within the freezer, however is not going to preserve its crisp texture. It is really useful that such a corn be utilized in preparations the place the feel is not going to matter as a lot, resembling soups and stews.
“In the summertime, I like to purchase further corn on the cob from the farmers market. I minimize the kernels off and freeze them in baggage, which I pull out later for facet dishes or so as to add to my favourite tortilla soup recipe.”
— Susannah, Feast + West, feastandwest.com
Finest methods to eat corn
Whether or not you might be utilizing contemporary or frozen corn listed here are a few of my favourite methods to take pleasure in all of it 12 months lengthy.
We love cooking contemporary corn on the cob within the oven. Much less mess and so scrumptious!
Strive it on this traditional corn casserole which isn’t only for Thanksgiving! Make an enormous batch of this creamy rooster and corn soup with bacon and eat a hearty lunch all week lengthy. If you’re grilling out use contemporary corn to make a scrumptious topping for steak, rooster or fish like I take advantage of in these grilled steak tacos.
Ultimate ideas
Whether or not freezing corn on the cob entire, blanching corn kernels, or storing corn within the freezer with out blanching, the lifetime of this treasured summer season crop will be extended with just a few easy steps.
Remember to contemplate the freezing methodology you have chosen when deciding learn how to put together the frozen corn. For a complete cob, a easy preparation is simple and scrumptious. For blanched frozen kernels, a contemporary preparation like a salad, salsa, or wrap can be glorious, as this corn will preserve its texture via the freezing course of. With unblanched kernels, the feel will likely be a bit softer, so attempt to use such a corn in soups and stews.
This text initially appeared on Meals Drink Life.
