How to Store Corn on the Cob: 3 Tips for Storing Corn

It is best to consume fresh corn shortly after you harvest it or purchase it from a grocery store or farmers’ market. As raw corn ages, the natural sugars in the corn become starchy, and the corn becomes less sweet. If you are not planning on consuming corn on the same day you buy it, you can store the corn in the refrigerator or the freezer. Long-term storage is best to save fresh summer corn for the cooler months to make dishes like creamed corn or corn chowder.

To properly store corn on the cob in the fridge, follow these tips for optimal freshness:

1. 1. Choose fresh corn. The husk of the corn should be green and tightly wrapped around the corn. The corn silk poking out of the ends should be moist and silky—if it is dry, the corn is too old. The corn should also feel sturdy, with no soft spots.
2. 2. Keep the husks on the corn. Leave the husk on the corn to seal in the moisture and keep the veggie from drying out in the refrigerator.
3. 3. Place the corn in a plastic produce bag. Store the corn in a plastic bag in the vegetable crisper to keep the corn from drying out. You can keep the bag open a little to promote air circulation. Corn can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Follow these steps to freeze fresh corn for long-term storage:

1. 1. Shuck: Remove the husks from the ears of corn.
2. 2. Boil: Place the whole ears of corn in a large pot of boiling water.
3. 3. Blanch: Blanch the corn in a bowl of ice water to help the corn retain its texture. After the cobs are cool, you can cut kernels off the cob if you plan to use the corn in a recipe that calls for kernels.
4. 4. Flash freeze: You can flash freeze the whole ears of corn or cut kernels on a baking sheet before placing them in a plastic bag to prevent them from sticking together.
5. 5. Store: Place the corn in airtight freezer bags and remove the excess air before sealing. Frozen corn can last for up to a year in the freezer.

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