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It is a satisfaction to save away the produce. Of all the best way to preserve corn is by freezing; it will keep the sweet flavor and nutrients intact! In this guide, I walk you through a super simple and easy method to help you freeze corn properly. These steps will allow for quality and taste for months.
1. Selecting the Best Corn
Selecting the appropriate corn is the first step. Favorable ears are bright green husks and brown sticky silk. Are tightly packed and plump kernels When a kernel is pressed, fresh corn will release a small amount of milky liquid. This indicates ripeness and sweetness.
2. Preparing the Corn
Preparation comes next after selecting the corn. First, strip off the husks and silk. Light scrubbing will remove any remaining silk. Make sure to rinse the corn under cold water to clear away any dirt. After that, dry the corn with a clean towel. This ensures complete removal of excess water, which can affect the freezing process.
3. Blanching for Better Results
Blanching is an important and unavoidable step. This prevents enzymes from changing the corn’s colour, texture and flavour. If you are going to blanch, fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil. Next, slowly submerge the corn into the rolling boiling water. Blanch for 7 minutes for small ears, 9 minutes for medium ears and 11 minutes for large ears.
4. Cooling and Drying
It is crucial to cool the corn quickly after blanching. Immediately transfer the corn into a bowl with ice water. This will stop the cooking process within seconds. Leave the corn in the ice water as long as it was blanched. Let it cool, take off the corn and dry with a clean towel. By drying the corn, you should save ice crystals in the freezing stages.
5. Cutting the Kernels
- Once it is dry, you have to scrape the kernels. Place the ear vertically so the tip is pointed toward a cutting board.
- With a serrated knife, cut down as close to the cob as you can get without risking life and limb to remove the kernels.
- Be careful not to go too deep, because the cob brings an unsightly texture.
- If you do them uneven, they won’t freeze the same, so if you’ll cut the kernels equal, only then will them freeze uniform.
6. Packaging for the Freezer
Quality depends on the right packaging. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Pack them with corn, not too tightly, so they can expand. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to avoid freezer burn. Date the bags to help you know how fresh they are.
7. Storing and Using Frozen Corn
Put the corn into the freezer, all packaged up. When stored properly, it can remain edible for as long as a year. This means that, when it’s time to use the corn, it can simply be added to soups, stews, or casseroles. You do not have to thaw first. You will retain the flavour and texture, just a taste of summer in your dish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Remember, frozen corn can be hit or miss. If the corn is soft, it may have been overblanched.
- Do make sure to follow the blanching times according to the recipe.
- The only reason for freezer burn is the air in the unit’s packaging. To prevent this, check the seal on bags or containers again.
Benefits of Freezing Corn:
- Freezing corn offers several advantages. Now, you can enjoy off-season produce without compromising on flavour.
- This also helps prevent food waste.
- Freezing corn means an efficient saving of resources, both in the household and the environment, as the corn is being preserved at its best.
Conclusion
Freezing corn is a simple thing to do, and it will last you a long time through the winter. Using these simple steps will help preserve the sweetness of corn. When fresh corn is selected, prepared and marketable, it can be a go-to ingredient for many meals. This quick trick will allow you to eat sweet corn all year long.
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