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. Many people find it best to allow the corn to defrost first.
- 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!
Be sure to check out these quick dinner ideas with corn on the cob, too!
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.
Paul says
Using the unblanchi g meth pi d when freezing, should the corn thaw completely before cooking on the barbecue grill?
Marjory Pilley says
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!
freedomwriter says
Excellent article! Does it have to be microwaved out of the freezer? Can it be boiled or steemed?
Marjory Pilley says
Yes! Cook it any way you like!
Jeanette Schutz says
So when cooking the corn from the freezer, do you thaw it first??
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! You do not need to defrost it first!
Marie says
Do u remove leaves and tusk ?
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Leave the husk in place to help protect it in the freezer.
Vickie Taylor says
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 says
That’s a lot of corn!???
Betty says
One lady said that corn frozen this way only last four months but you’re saying you’re last a year???
Ruby says
She was saying 4 months for on the cob and with it still in the shucks. I have for years shucked, silked, and never let a drop of water touch mine and then vacuum sealed it. Eaten as much as 4 years later and as good as the day we picked it. Been doing this for 50 years.
Milly says
Thank you Ruby I think I know what I was doing wrong now I was shocking it soaking it and washing it and letting it dry my problem is the water isn't it
Andrea says
Thank you for this inspiration, Ruby! I have 5 bushels we just picked today. I'm going to try your method!
Janice says
Thank you Ruby, I must try that. How do you cook your corn from the freezer...still frozen or thawed? Also, do you use a pot of water or a grill to do yours?
Denise Simkins says
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.
Kelly says
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.
Sandi says
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.
Gayle says
I am going to try this for the first time. After reading the comments, this should be a nice trial. One thing I will be sure and do is place these in my NON-self-defrosting freezer. Sadly, when my son-in-law gave me his freezer, it is a self-defrosting unit and it ruins so much food, if I am not careful. That is one freezer that now that I have had it for a bit, I will never have again. I can now, gracefully, sell it and buy a manual defrost so that I have two of the units I like.