How to store corn on the cob to keep it fresh and tasty

Fresh corn on the cob is one of our favorites to find at the farmers market or grocery store because it’s delicious, healthy, and makes a great side dish. However, like most products, corn must be stored properly to get the most out of it. When buying corn, look for cobs that are still in the bag. The shell should be green with brown silk fibers and not dry.

Additionally, make sure that it is tightly wrapped around the grain and that the grain is firm, not soft. And whatever you do, resist the urge to remove the husk and take a peak at those kernels All this does is speed up the aging process, making your corn less fresh.

How to cook corn on the cob in the oven

Once you have selected the perfect corn cob, how to store it depends on how soft and fresh it is. Keep reading for our tips bnelow on how to store corn on the cob so you can enjoy it all year round.

How to Store Fresh Corn on the Cob

If you buy fresh corn on the cob at a farmer’s market or grocery store and plan to eat it within 24 hours, when it’s at its best, you can store it (in the husk) in your room away from direct sunlight. However, if you don’t plan on eating your fresh corn right away, the first thing you should do when you get home is put it in the refrigerator. Once the corn is harvested, the sugars that make it sweet start to turn into starch, and the corn begins to dry out. By placing your cereal directly in the refrigerator, you can keep it fresh for a little longer.

The best way to store fresh corn on the cob in the fridge is to leave it in the husk (which keeps it moist) and put everything in a loose plastic bag to improve air circulation. Then put the bag of products with the corn inside in your crisper drawer. When stored in this way, the corn will remain fresh for about five days, but should be consumed within two to three days for optimal flavor and texture.

How to freeze Corn on the Cob

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In most of the United States, corn season runs from May to September, but if you want to extend the corn season or ensure that your recently purchased corn is good for more than three days, just freeze it.

The best way to freeze corn on the cob is to shuck it, remove all the corn silk and place the whole corn cobs in a freezer safe bag, If you want to prevent too many ears of corn from sticking together, put them on a rimmed sheet for about two hours (or until the ears are completely frozen) before putting them in the freezer for good. When stored this way, corn will stay fresh for about a year. And when you are ready to cook this corn, just put it in a pot of boiling water like you would boil fresh corn, although it may take a few minutes to cook. You can also thaw frozen corn in the refrigerator overnight.

How to freeze corn kernels

If you prefer to freeze corn to use in dishes like corn cobbler or corn chowder, you can do that too. To freeze grains, it’s best to rinse them first to preserve flavor and texture. If you don’t know how to blanch, it is the process of soaking fruits and vegetables in boiling water for a while and then putting them in cold water to stop the cooking process.

To blanch (and then freeze) corn kernels, follow these steps:

Shuck the corn and remove all the corn silk.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the cornmeal without filling the pot.

When the corn is soaked in boiling water for 3-6 minutes (depending on the size of the cobs), carefully remove each corn with your fingers and put it in a bowl filled with ice water.

Once the corn is completely cool, place it on a paper towel or wooden board and let it dry completely.

Next, use a knife to cut the kernels by holding the kernel upright and running the knife through each side.

Place the grains in a rimmed baking sheet and leave them for about two hours.

Once the grains have cooled, transfer them on the baking sheet to a freezer-safe plastic bag and remove any trapped air before sealing. Frozen corn kernels will stay fresh for about a year and can be added directly to soups, stir-fries and more.