There are many ways to do corn. Some cook the corn in the husks, others that cut the corn off raw, then cook it. But I'll just share the method we've used through the years. Too bad I didn't take many pictures. Guess we were all too busy working!
The obvious first step is to get corn - whether it is from your garden or purchased.
Next we husk and silk the corn. Usually we remove the silk with our fingers or a vegetable brush. This year, for the first, we borrowed a silking machine from a friend. I have no idea how it worked but as fast as you could feed an ear in one end, it would spit the silked ear out the other side. It sure saved a great deal of time and would be a great purchase for several families to go together on since it would usually only be used one day a year.
Next we cook the corn, also called blanching. You don't want to cook it as long as for eating the corn. We bring a large pot of water to a boil, put in as many ears as possible, shut the lid, wait until the water comes to a rolling boil again, then remove the corn.
We cool the corn as quickly as possible. We used large tubs with a garden hose outside since we had a large amount but a kitchen sink works well for a small amount. The water needs changed frequently to keep it cold. If you have a good supply of ice, you could cool it even faster.
Cutting is next. A sharp knife is a necessity, as it is no fun to be "sawing" at the kernels.
As quickly as possible, we like to get the cut corn in bags or freezer boxes and get it into the freezer. I usually spread it out in the freezer until it is frozen then stack it neatly together.
Frozen corn will keep in the freezer for at least a year. I usually try to have one year's corn used up before I get the fresh corn but somehow I have a bunch of 2008 corn that was lost in the bottom of the freezer. And it still tastes great!
Hope that is clear. Any other questions?
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We did it both ways last year (cooking on & off the cob). I definitely liked cooking on better because the other way produced a much waterier end product and more lose hulls.
ReplyDeleteI do have a question- what is the name of that machine!!!!??? Sounds like a must-have!
I have no idea what the name of the silker machine is...but maybe I could find out...
ReplyDeleteGina
Homemade method...
DeletePut a lightweight brush or duster at the end of a electronic Sanding Wheel.
Theres your corn silker.
I was recently introduced to using an electric knife to cut the corn kernals off of the cob. Set the cob on end in a large pan and cut downward. Works great!
ReplyDeleteI've done the blanching and freezing but it never tastes as good when I cook it from frozen. Any tips?
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! What a great informative post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you could freeze corn that has been grilled? You've given me the motivation to try - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post on freezing corn. It is definately on my "to-do" list this year. Here in Oregon, we had a very wet Spring and early Summer, so this week was the first week with corn at the farmer's market. I am so excited!
ReplyDeleteI froze zucchini and kohlarobi this year, but sweet corn gets eaten up to fast to freeze around here. Do you can anything? I can green bean, tomatoes, potatoes, apples, peaches, etc. I'm hosting a "Canning Week blog Party" the week of August 23-27th. There will be lots of tips, recipes, linky parties and give-a-ways. Hope you can stop by!
ReplyDeletea Latte with Ott, A
Great tips. I love fresh corn so much and the store frozen just doesn't do it. I will have to put my kids to work cutting!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of corn was your 2008 corn that was in the bottom of your freezer? I heard some kinds hold their flavor longer than others and was just curious as to what kind it was. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI posted about how I do my corn too which is exactly the same way you do yours. That silking machine would come in way handy!
ReplyDeleteWe grow the Incredible variety which we think is just the best for fresh eating and freezing. But then, I haven't tried all the other varieties that are out there. I'd love to hear your favorites!
ReplyDeleteGina
Oh yummy....corn!! I've been enjoying the yummy corn this year. I've never planted any of my own. I'm so jealous you get to enjoy all that yumminess!
ReplyDeleteMy corn is just starting to tassel, so I will be able to do this in about a month. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
well, last year I froze corn,without blanching. I just cut it off the cob and froze it. we had eaten it all by Christmas..does it have to be blanched?
ReplyDeleteI think the recommendation is to blanch before freezing - but if it worked for you....
DeleteGina