Blanching Corn: How Do You Blanch Corn & Why Should You Do It?

Have you ever wonder if it’s important to blanch corn before freezing it?

You can find a solution in this article!

Here, you can follow steps to get the perfect blanched corn and learn why you should do it. Read it till the end and learn the best way to do it.

How To Blanch Corn The Right Way?

1.Picking The Right Corn For Blanching

Some sorts are more appropriate for cooking than the others. It is better to use the sweetest sorts because they have firm kernels that will stay on the cob. Also, choose the freshest ear of corn for cooking and cook it immediately. If you harvest it yourself, do it in the morning to use all juices from it. If you have bought it, keep it 3 days maximally in the refrigerator before using, but cook it as soon as possible.

2. Preparing Corn For Blanching

Before cooking the corn, you should do some preparation. Choose similar ears of corn for cooking to fit better in the pot. Remove the husk and silk using a sharp knife. Cut the bottom and pull it in one direction. If you have a hard time removing it, you can put it in the microwave for 2 minutes to soften. Try all kernels and be sure that they are firm. Be sure to remove all bad kernels or soft parts. Rinse it and dry it on the kitchen towel.

3. Choose The Right Equipment

To cook the corn easier, you may need a bigger pot, depending on the quantity. Be sure to leave ears of corn enough space not to touch the pot, but to float. Cook 4 to 5 ears of corn maximally in one pot at the same time. Don’t touch hot corn or water with your hands, use tongs to add them or remove them from the water.

4. How Long To Blanch Corn?

The time of blanching depends on your personal preference. Be sure to boil the water before, but don’t add any salt. Salt can make it rubbery for using after and make soggy kernels. The corn can be cooked from 3 to 5 minutes in the boiling water or 20 minutes maximally if you want it to be ready for use. After you have removed it, drain the water excess and leave it at room temperature to cool down.

5. Freezing After Blanching

If you don’t want to use blanched corn immediately, you can freeze it and use it later. Actually, you don’t have to blanch corn to freeze it but freeze it fresh. In that case, it’s important to be informed about how to freeze fresh corn. Use the plastic bag for the freezer to store the ears and remove all air from them. The best way is to preserve it with a vacuum sealer for home use. This removes air completely and stops bacteria growth. Don’t forget to mark the date to know which package to use first. You can store it for up to 3 years, but the best taste remains for 6 months.

6. Why You Should Blanch Corn

Blanching corn, if you want to consume it right now or freeze for later, takes more time, but you save time and preserve the taste for later use. Also, it helps you with removing kernels and you can cut them off before freezing which saves you space in the freezer. If you freeze blanched corn, you save time for using it and removes all bacteria from it before freezing. Also, blanched corn has softer kernels and saves more juice than raw ones. However, if you don’t have time, it’s possible also to freeze corn on the cob without blanching.

7. How To Use It After Freezing

You can use frozen blanched corn immediately after removing it from the freezer and add it to soup or stew. Also, you can melt it and add to salads or tacos, or just add some salt and butter and eat it fresh. The best taste will be if you eat it within 6 months. Removing kernels can be messy, so the better solution is to remove them before freezing. If you do it after freezing, put it in the microwave for 2 to 5 minutes and remove them easier. Also, be sure to use a wide board to collect them all.