Storing Corn in the Refrigerator
Sweet corn tastes best when you pick it and cook it immediately. The longer an ear of corn is off the stalk, the more the sugar turns to starch. The presence of starch significantly decreases the flavor of sweet corn, and you may be disappointed to find it tastes more like field corn than the sweet corn you crave.
However, if it is not possible for you to eat the corn right after you pick it, you can store it in the fridge for several days if you do the following things:
- Dampen a layer of paper towels or a brown paper bag.
- Wrap the unhusked ears of corn with the damp towels.
- Place the wrapped ears in a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible.
- Keep refrigerated for three to five days.
Freezing Sweet Corn
Freezing your sweet corn for later use is an excellent way to retain the flavor. In fact, frozen corn is very nearly as flavorful as fresh corn. Freezing your corn is also a straightforward task.
You can choose to either pre-cook (blanch) your corn for several minutes before freezing, or freeze it raw. In either case, be sure you choose ears with no blemishes and with full, ripe kernels.
Whether you remove the kernels from the cob or freeze the cob whole, be sure your container is airtight. Otherwise, you risk having freezer-burned corn! Frozen corn lasts up to a year in your freezer.
Canning Corn
Canning corn is another way you can be sure you do not miss a single bite of your sweet corn crop. Canned corn also lasts longer than frozen corn, which is a benefit if you have limited freezer space.
To can corn, you must remove the kernels from the cob, fill your jars, and cover the corn with boiling water. Then, follow the instructions for corn on your pressure canner for the time and pressure you need to can the jars. Pressure canned vegetables can keep for several years.
Regardless of how you choose to preserve your sweet corn, knowing how to store it can extend your harvest and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labors for a long time!
