At Machine Shed, we take great pride in supporting local farmers and serving farm-to-table meals. Each one of our locations purchases fresh sweet corn from local farms every year to serve our guests. Did you know sweet corn has a higher natural sugar content than regular corn, which is why it is so sweet? To ensure you can savor the taste of this summertime staple all year round, we’ll guide you through the best way to freeze sweet corn on the cob.

1. Begin by shucking the corn, removing as much of the silk as possible. The fresher the corn, the sweeter it will be when frozen.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Place the corn cobs into the pot, making sure they are fully submerged. Avoid adding salt, as it can toughen the corn. Allow the corn to boil for approximately 7 minutes. Blanching is a crucial step that deactivates enzymes that may affect the corn’s color, texture, and flavor during freezing.
3. After blanching, gently remove the corn cobs from the pot using tongs and transfer them into a large bowl of ice-cold water. The ice bath stops the cooking process and helps retain the corn’s crispness. Allow the cobs to rest in the ice water for 4-5 minutes, rotating them as needed for even cooling.
4. Carefully remove the corn from the ice water and place them on a paper towel to drain excess moisture. Pat them dry with additional paper towels, ensuring they are completely dry before freezing.
5. Lay the dried corn cobs flat onto a baking sheet, making sure they do not touch each other. This prevents them from freezing together and allows for easy portioning later on. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour to flash-freeze the corn.
6. Once the corn cobs are partially frozen, take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Transfer the ears into freezer-safe bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible before sealing them. Don’t forget to date each bag to keep track of its freshness.

By blanching the corn before freezing, you can preserve its taste, texture, and color. When stored properly in the freezer, sweet corn on the cob can last for up to 6 months. To cook and enjoy your frozen corn, simply boil or steam it until it reaches your desired tenderness, as the blanching process only partially cooks the corn beforehand.

Preserving the delightful sweetness of sweet corn on the cob is a rewarding and simple process. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy the taste of summer even during the coldest winter days. Remember, supporting local farmers and savoring their delicious produce is what truly makes our meals at Machine Shed special. So, stock up on sweet corn when it’s in season, freeze it with care, and indulge in its natural sweetness year-round!