Learn how to freeze corn on the cob IN THE HUSK, without blanching it first. It's the easiest way to enjoy delicious, fresh corn once summer has ended!
I was inspired to test this freezing method after several readers commented on the process to microwave corn on the cob in the husk and said they'd always done it this way! Really?!
To Blanch or Not to Blanch before Freezing Corn
Conventional guidance is that you must blanch vegetables before you freeze them. Blanching slows the action of enzymes that naturally occur in vegetables and degrades the quality (color, texture, and flavor) of the vegetables. Freezing slows down the action a little, but it does not stop it. This article on the Science of Freezing Food from the University of Minnesota Extension does an excellent job of explaining the nitty-gritty details.
While blanching is definitely the most common way to prepare corn for freezing, you don't have to take this step.
When it comes to corn on the cob, I've been pretty happy with the result when I freeze corn on the cob in the husk without cooking it first. It literally takes a few minutes to freeze corn this way and there is no mess at all. The husk may even reduce the opportunity for freezer burn.
This method is ideal for shorter periods of storage...up to about 4 months. The biggest difference that I noted was that the corn starts to get a little softer as time goes on, which may not be a problem at all depending on how you are going to use it. It's perfect when you'd like to buy a little extra fresh corn at the farmer's market or when it goes on sale!
Ways to Freeze Fresh Corn
There are many options for freezing corn. You can:
- Remove the husks, blanch the corn on the cob and then freeze the whole cobs of corn.
- Shuck the cobs, blanch them, remove the corn kernels and freeze only the kernels.
- Cook corn, allow it to cool, remove the husks and freeze the cooked cobs or the kernels that have been cut off the cob.
- Freeze uncooked corn on the cob in the husk. This is the EASIEST method by far.
Note: To blanch corn on the cob with husks removed, submerge the corn in boiling for water according to the guidelines below and then remove the corn to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Blanching guidelines for corn on the cob are as follows:
- Small ears: 7 minutes
- Medium ears: 9 minutes
- Large ears: 11 minutes
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk without Blanching
- Start with the freshest corn possible. If you start with corn that has been sitting on the counter for a few days instead of ones stored in the refrigerator, then you're already one step behind when it comes to quality!
- Don't peel or remove anything. If the husk is snug against the corn then it will help prevent freezer burn.
- Wrap corn in plastic wrap and/or place it in a plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Use a FoodSaver to vacuum pack it if your have one.
- Store corn in the cob in the freezer until you're ready to cook it.
How to Cook Frozen Corn on the Cob in the Husk
The magic continues when you're ready to cook frozen corn on the cob. Simply follow the directions to microwave corn on the cob in the husk.
- Remove it from the freezer.
- Place corn on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high using the guidelines for fresh corn. I don't find it necessary to add any additional time. But, the time frame for cooking will vary depending upon the microwave.
- 1 ear – 2 minutes
- 2 ears – 4 minutes
- 3 ears – 5 minutes
- 4 ears – 6 minutes
- Cut about an inch off the end of the corn that does not have the silk exposed.
- Grab hold of the end of the corn with the silk and pull off the husk and the silk.
- Enjoy on the cob or remove the kernels to use in recipes like Mexican Street Corn in a Cup, Shrimp Tortilla Soup and Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa!
If you try this method, drop us a comment with your result or tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
How to Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Equipment
- Plastic Freezer Bag
- Permanent Marker
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 4 each Corn on the Cob Do NOT remove the husk
Instructions
- 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.
- When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer and prepare using favorite cooking method for frozen corn.
Sandi
I had no idea corn could be frozen...now I can buy corn on the cob in bulk at the Farmer's Market and enjoy all year long.
Kelly
This is such a great way to enjoy the flavor of fresh corn all year long! It tastes so much sweeter than the canned stuff.
Denise Simkins
I take the husks off and rinse the cons and let them drain then put them in freezer bags usually 6 ears to a bag, then freeze them. We just finished the corn on the cob that I froze last year in time for this year’s crop. We had no freezer burn and it tastes like it was just picked. Cook as you would fresh picked corn.
Vickie Taylor
I have done this method of putting up corn for the past few years and I Love it, my family loves the corn better than cutting it off first then freezing it, I can put up a bushel of corn in no time and I usually put up at least 7 bushel, I have a good size family.
Marjory Pilley
That’s a lot of corn!???
Betty
One lady said that corn frozen this way only last four months but you’re saying you’re last a year???
Jeanette Schutz
So when cooking the corn from the freezer, do you thaw it first??
Marjory Pilley
Hi! You do not need to defrost it first!
freedomwriter
Excellent article! Does it have to be microwaved out of the freezer? Can it be boiled or steemed?
Marjory Pilley
Yes! Cook it any way you like!
Paul
Using the unblanchi g meth pi d when freezing, should the corn thaw completely before cooking on the barbecue grill?
Marjory Pilley
Just as with any other method of cooking you can do it either way. However, I would prefer to grill mine straight from the freezer or partially thawed. Thanks for the question!
Ann Gowin
Been doing this for a long time. Always happy with the results.
Anita
do you remove the silk first before freezing in husk?
Marjory Pilley
Nope! Just put in a plastic bag in the freezer!
Theresa
I have tried many ways to freeze corn on the cob an I've had no success, it was terrible, an tasted like the cob, not sure what i did wrong seeing all the positive comments.
Marjory Pilley
Hi! I'm happy to help troubleshoot. But, a few thoughts...it will always taste better fresh! After that, this method works best for shorter periods of storage. Finally, I generally use corn frozen this way off the cob as a side or incorporate in other dishes.
Annebelle
Trying this for the first time! We are wrapping it in saran wrap, then into vacuum sealed bags. Excited to see how it tastes in December!
Julie
If u roast the corn before freezing can I then heat it on the grill or in the microwave?
Marjory Pilley
You should be able reheat corn any way you like if you cook it before freezing it.
Connie
If a person was too but a Lot of corn it says s it's only good ( Frozen) up to 4 months
Connie
OMG Buy a lot ( of corn)
Janet Felker
If I freeze the corn on the husk, take it out can I roast it in the oven frozen with the husk on?
Marjory Pilley
You should be able to cook using any method used before. I've never tried that before, but I'm definitely going to next time I have corn on the cob!
Titan
We have a 100 acre farm with a grower that plants 30 acres of corn. We don't clean it, shuck it, just put it in a double paper bag, 20 to 30 ears, pull it out as we want it. Never had a problem. Most grocery stores have paper bags, Kroger, HEB does, just as for them if you don't see them