3 Easy Methods for Freezing Fresh Corn

There’s something truly special about summer corn—it’s sweet, juicy, and has that satisfying crispness that pops with every bite. If only you could capture that flavor and texture for the colder months. Great news: you can! With the help of your freezer, you can enjoy fresh corn all year long. Head to the store now to grab the last ears of corn before the season ends, and follow these steps to preserve them perfectly.

How to Select the Best Corn

Whenever possible, opt for corn still in its husk. Pre-husked corn may be more convenient and create less mess, but it’s often drier since it starts losing moisture as soon as it’s removed from the stalk. The husk acts as a protective layer, keeping moisture locked in, while removing it exposes the kernels to drying out more quickly.

Choose cobs that are green and tightly wrapped in their husks. They should feel heavy and firm for their size, and the silks at the top should be golden or light green with a hint of brown at the tips. Avoid cobs with dark, damp silks, as this could indicate they’re past their prime. When you get home, store your corn in the refrigerator unless you plan to use it immediately.

Prepare Your Corn

Before freezing your corn, you’ll need to do a bit of prep work. No matter which freezing method you choose, start with these essential steps:

Shuck the corn and remove the silks. If you have a garden, husking the corn outdoors is the easiest way to manage the mess. If not, lay down a large kitchen towel on the counter. As you shuck, the towel will catch the husks and silks, making cleanup a breeze. You can simply fold it up and dispose of them in the compost or trash when you’re done.

Give it a rinse with cool, running water. Always rinse your produce under cool water, and corn is no exception. You never know what might have come in contact with it during handling or transport.

Method 1: Cut from the Cob and Freeze Raw

STEP 1: Use your preferred method to cut the kernels off the cob.

STEP 2: Place the kernels into a resealable freezer bag, press out the air, and seal tightly. Be sure to label the bag with the date and contents. For the best quality, use within 12 months.

Method 2: Blanch, Shock, Remove Kernels, and Freeze

STEP 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding plenty of salt (2 tablespoons per quart of water). According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, use one gallon of water per pound of vegetables for optimal blanching.

STEP 2: Prepare a bowl of ice water beside your cooktop and keep kitchen tongs close at hand. Place a baking sheet lined with a towel next to the bowl.

STEP 3: Add the cobs to the boiling water, bringing it back to a boil. Cook until the kernels are tender yet crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.

STEP 4: Use tongs to remove the corn from the boiling water and transfer it to the ice water bath. Press the corn down to ensure it’s fully submerged. Let it chill for about 2 to 3 minutes, then move the corn to the towel-lined baking sheet and gently pat dry.

STEP 5: Use your preferred method to cut the kernels off the cob. Discard the cobs once done.

STEP 6: Remove the towel from the baking sheet and replace it with parchment paper. Spread the corn kernels in a single layer. Freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm. Then transfer the kernels to a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and contents. For best quality, use within 12 months.

Method 3: Blanch, Shock, and Freeze Whole Cobs

Follow steps 1 through 4 from Method 2. Once the cobs are fully cooled, pat them dry with a clean towel. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or storage container. Remove as much air as possible, seal tightly, and label with the date and contents. For the best quality, use within 12 months.

How to Thaw Frozen Corn

For quick-cooking methods like sautéing, stir-frying, or adding corn to stews, chili, or soups, you can toss frozen corn kernels straight into the pan or pot. The goal is to quickly thaw and reheat, which usually only takes a few minutes.

To quickly thaw corn kernels or cobs, place them in a colander and run cool water over them. Alternatively, if you have time, remove what you need from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. After thawing by either method, be sure to drain the corn well before adding it to your dish.