Freezing Corn off the Cob for the Winter

Now is the time to start thinking about preparing for the winter. We've talked about getting your freezer ready and what foods you can freeze. Today I want to show you how to take corn off the cob and freeze for the winter. Just think of having fresh corn on during the winter and not having to pay those off season high prices.

First you are going to make sure your corn is fresh. I like to buy up during 5/$1 or 10/$1 sales. Start by peeling back part of the husk. Make sure the kernels are whole and nice and plump. You don't want your corn to look like the photo below.

When you get home start a large pot of boiling water (largest pot you have) and pull off all the husks and make sure you remove all the silk (corn hair). An easy way to do this is with a vegetable brush. Then break off the the bottom knobs of the corn so that the bottom is flat.

Place the corn in the boiling water for 6 minutes. Once the corn goes in the pot, the water should start boiling again within at least 2 minutes. If not you have to much corn in the pot or the pot is not big enough. Just remove some of the corn until it returns to boil.

Remove corn and immediately submerge corn into ice cold water.This will help keep the enzymes and prevent any further cooking of corn once it's done. This is called “blanching”.

Next drain your corn and prepare to cut the corn off the cob. I start at the shortest end and cut 2/3 in to the corn in a downward motion. I use a smaller bowl in the bottom of a larger bowl to rest the corn on as a cut, that way the corn just falls off into the bowl.Check out this cool Corn Stripper from OXO. I think I am going to have to invest in one.

Next your ready to freeze. I have a family of four so I usually freeze 2 1/2 cup servings in each bag. I use my food saver but you can use freezer bags. I use a rubber spatula to break up the kernels. Tip: If you are using your FoodSaver put the corn filled bags in the freezer for an hour or so before you seal them. The corn is really moist and the FoodSaver will have a hard time sealing if you don't.

What is your favorite food to freeze for the winter/