So much time and money can be saved simply by planning ahead and making the time to keep your freezer stocked with things you would normally buy or make last minute. I need to be more intentional about this so I’ll be sharing my journey with you here on Freezer Friday.
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I love fresh, sweet corn on the cob. Problem is, it’s not available year round. I also don’t like paying more than 20 cents per ear so it’s pertinent to stock up towards the end of the summer when it goes on sale at this price point.
When I see it at this price, I always ask someone in produce about buying a case. I bring it home and set to work preparing it for the freezer. Here’s how:
First, enlist your kids to help you remove the husks. Surprisingly, my kids love to help with this.
Remove husks by grasping the top of the husk and pulling down firmly. Break off the stem and remove all the corn silk.
Next, you need to blanch ears of corn, just like I showed you when we learned how to freeze green beans. Follow these steps:
- Fill a large stock pot three-quarters with water and bring to a boil.
- Place the ears of corn in the boiling water so they are covered and boil for 7-10 minutes. Seven minutes for small ears and 10 minutes for medium to large ears. Do not overcook as this will make the corn mushy upon thawing.
- Meanwhile, fill your a large bowl (or your sanitized kitchen sink) half full of cold water and add ice.
- Once the corn has boiled for 10 minutes, remove the ears with tongs and plunge into the ice water. This will stop the corn from cooking.
- Let it sit in the ice water until it has cooled thoroughly.
- Once the corn has cooled, pat it dry and freeze in plastic freezer bags, taking care to remove as much air as possible.
You may reuse the boiling water up to three times. Keep the cycle going until all the corn is blanched.
To save freezer space, consider removing the kernels from the cob and freezing in freezer bags as shown below.
And there you have it. You’re ready to experience crunchy, sweet, fresh corn throughout the winter months.
Check out more ways to save by utilizing your freezer!
