How to Freeze Fresh Ohio Sweet Corn (the Easy, Family-Friendly Way!)

Every summer, when the sweet corn stands pop up across Ohio, I load up on organic bi-color Montauk sweet corn—the kind so sweet and tender, it barely needs butter. For years now, it’s been my tradition to put up around 15 dozen ears for my family, making sure we have that summer flavor all year long.

If you’ve ever wanted to freeze fresh corn but weren’t sure where to start—or you’ve tried and ended up with chewy, tasteless kernels—this guide is for you!

🛒 Step 1: Pick (or Buy) the Right Corn

Look for:

Ears that are full and heavy

Tight, bright green husks

Silky tassels that are slightly sticky but not dry

My go-to is bi-color Montauk corn grown right here in Ohio—it’s organic, sweet, and perfect for freezing.

🧽 Step 2: Prep Like a Pro

This step is best done in a team (let your kids help shuck!).

Husk the corn and remove all silks.

Rinse under cool water.

Cut off any bad tips or damaged spots.

Fill a big bowl or sink with cold water to soak the ears briefly.

🔥 Step 3: Blanching – The Must-Do Step!

Blanching stops enzymes that cause the corn to lose flavor and texture in the freezer. Here’s how:

Whole Ears

Boil a large pot of water.

Drop in 4–6 ears at a time.

Blanch for 7 minutes.

Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 7–10 minutes to cool.

Corn Off the Cob

Cut the kernels off using a sharp knife.

Blanch loose kernels for 4 minutes in boiling water.

Ice bath right after.

⏳ Don’t skip the ice bath! It stops cooking and keeps that corn crisp and golden.

❄️ Step 4: Freeze for Freshness

For Whole Ears

Pat dry and place 4–6 ears per freezer bag.

Remove as much air as possible.

Label with date and quantity.

For Loose Kernels

Spread on a baking sheet to pre-freeze for 30–60 minutes (optional but helps prevent clumping).

Bag in meal-size portions (about 2 cups).

Press air out or use a vacuum sealer.

📦 How Long Will It Last?

Properly frozen sweet corn will last 8–12 months and still taste garden-fresh.

💡 Bonus Tips

Use reusable silicone freezer bags to cut down on waste.

Add a sprinkle of sugar (not salt!) to preserve flavor if blanching corn off the cob.

Save the cobs! Boil them into a sweet, mild corn broth.

Final Thoughts

Freezing corn isn’t just about stocking the freezer—it’s about capturing a piece of Ohio summer for your family to enjoy all year long. Once you taste that juicy Montauk corn in January with a hot bowl of chili or in a creamy chowder, you'll know the effort was so worth it.

Happy freezing from our kitchen to yours!

How to Freeze Asparagus

Freezing vegetables is a great way to save money during the winter months. This easy tutorial will have you freezing asparagus now for enjoyment this winter. With this method your asparagus will be as fresh tasting as it was the day you purchased it. 

I am a major farmers market fan. In fact, it is the thing I get the most excited about! I want to get there early and I come prepared with bags and baskets to carry home my fresh finds. In fact, it is not at all uncommon to find me standing in line on a Tuesday afternoon, patiently awaiting the bell that signals the start of the market. I have a favorite farmer and he sells out FAST! LOL. I find it to be worth the wait.

You would likely find it worth the wait too. I got a steal on asparagus and mini peppers recently. I am talking $1 a pound for the freshest asparagus in town. I bought 10 pounds of it without hesitation.

Asparagus for days is my jam. But, these gorgeous stalks are meant for a cold, blustery day, when asparagus doesn't look this good at the store, but it packs a hefty price tag of up to $6 a pound where I live. To preserve asparagus this is what you need.

I do use a foodsaver, but you can get a vaccum sealer for about $30 on amazon and big rolls of the bags. They are well worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of freezing! I know every expert will tell you food goes bad fast; but honestly I have had veggies frozen for 2 years that are still super fresh when packaged properly with a food saver... but, I guess now you know my secret. I rarely defrost my deep freezer HA!

So here is what you need:

Supplies:

A bowl of ice water

1 pound of asparagus

6 cups of water

Paper Towels

Food saver or freezer bags

Directions:

Snap the ends of the asparagus and discard the woody ends.

Boil 4 cups of water.

Place 2 cups of water and the ice into a large bowl.

When the water has come to a boil, drop the asparagus into the boiling water.

Allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green.

Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately place it in the ice water.

Remove after 30 seconds.

Place the asparagus on paper towels and allow to drain.

Pat the asparagus dry.

Place it in a food saver or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to a year.

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