Monday, July 11, 2011

Corn!

Corn is probably one of my favorite summer vegetables. Getting to sink my teeth into that first sweet ear of corn is certainly on my list of summer pleasures. The childhood memories of shucking corn with my mom, dad and grandpa are sweeter than the corn itself. When I was a little girl I was amazed at how three tiny corn kernels dropped into a little hole could turn into a plant much taller than me in less than a summer. I was even more amazed at how that plant could produce ears of corn so neatly wrapped up and protected by green, leafy shucks. Now that I am all grown up...I still stand in awe of this beautiful miracle. I guess some things never change!

There is only one thing I can think of that I don't particularly like about this summer treat. Once it is ready to be picked you have to work fast. It doesn't produce a little at the time. It all seems to be ready at once and you can't eat it all at one time...or at least I wouldn't recommend it. This is why I have spent the day consumed with corn.

After getting started at seven this morning shucking corn with my brother, niece, and dad (in humidity so thick a knife couldn't cut it); I then had to silk and wash it. Later, after taking a quick shower to cool off, I spent the rest of the morning freezing it to use in the wonderful soups and stews that will warm us in the winter.

It is really easy to freeze, so I thought I would share my method for those of you who may end up with more corn than you care to consume at once.


No, I am not getting paid by ziplock (although I would love some compensation if any of you know someone who works for the company). I do love the ease of closure with this particular brand, however.


After all of the shucking, silking, and washing blanch the corn in boiling water for four minutes.


Then, quickly remove each ear and place in cold water to stop the cooking process.


After the cold water bath, I place each ear on a clean kitchen towel to allow some of the water to drain. Then, I just cut the kernels off of the ear with a knife and scrape each ear to release all of the juices.


After all of the kernels have been cut from the ears of corn, I simply use a large spoon or scoop to fill the freezer bags with corn. I always lay the bag flat and try to get out as much of the air as possible. After I seal the bag, I place them in the freezer making sure they are flat. You want to freeze them that way to be able to stack them and conserve space. After years of watching my mom, I think I may have learned a thing or two....maybe.


When there isn't enough corn to completely fill the last freezer bag, just do what I do...add some butter or olive oil, salt and pepper, and cook a little longer for a little midday treat!

13 comments:

Glenda said...

Ummmmm. . . Looks so good! But it is quite a job to prepare! We didn't have corn this year, but in years past I've put it in the freezer - and did it just the way you described except that Mama taught me to gently scrap the ear after cutting off the kernels. That way you get a little extra "milk." You'll enjoy those bags of corn long after summer has faded!

Hope you are doing well!

Paula@SweetPea said...

There's nothing like fresh corn in the summer! We're having it for dinner tonight as a part of our meal.

You are going to enjoy all of that frozen corn this winter. It's certainly worth your effort to preserve it.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Yummo. Corn is a real treat. I must try growing some of my own one day ... maybe next year.

From the Kitchen said...

We are still waiting for corn and tomatoes. Good things do come to those who wait!!

Best,
Bonnie

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

It maybe hard work but you will be grinning all winter when you sit down to that sweet fresh taste. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Yummy!

Allison said...

You're so cute! I love this corn-storing tutorial. I do a similar process with zucchini to have zucchini bread in the winter... the best!

Do you ever visit any plantations down there in the south, Carla? I sure would love to see some pictures of those if ever you do. I dream...

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

It may be hard work now, but in the dead of winter you will have the most delicious summer corn. I love your great instructions and pictures.
Yvonne

myletterstoemily said...

oh man, my mouth is watering . . . and i just
ate! you will be rewarded for all your hard
work with the sweetest corn all year long.
thanks for the tip!

Patti said...

Oh, yum!!! I love corn on the cob. One of summer's best gifts, I think.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Love,
Patti

Anonymous said...

Yummmm! A lot of hard work, but well worth all the effort!!! :)
Enjoy!
~ Zuzu

penny said...

Hi Carla, I love sweet corn this time of year.. wonderful tips for enjoying all year.

hugs,
Pam

Denise said...

We enjoyed corn from our garden this year too, I think we'll plant more in the fall. Never thought to freeze it, we usually eat it on the cob straight away!

tina said...

Oh my goodness it looks so good! This is one of my favorite summer vegetables too! I don't grow it but buy it at the grocery store and still it is yum. Good job on freezing all the crop. Now you can relax until the tomatoes come in:)