Freeze Drying Corn: Insider Tips and Techniques

Years ago when we started on our freeze drying journey, we wanted to try so many different fruits and vegetables.  But surprisingly, corn was not one of them.

We had a great method of freezing sweet corn to eat with meals and add to recipes and didn't think anything of it.

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Fast forward several years and we are asking ourselves why we didn't try to freeze dry our delicious corn recipe before?  It takes up much less space on a shelf in a closet than on the shelf in the freeze.  Plus, it is a great little snack to have anytime you want a treat.

Preparing the Corn for Freeze Drying

It's important to start with fresh, high-quality corn. Look for ears that are plump, firm, and have bright, vibrant kernels. Ideally, you want corn that is at its peak freshness and will have the most delicious end result.

Next, husk the ears and removing any silk or debris. Give the corn a thorough rinse under cold water to ensure any remaining silk or debris is removed. Pat the ears dry with a clean towel, taking care not to damage or bruise the kernels.

Now it's time to remove the kernels from the cob. One efficient method is to use a sharp knife to carefully slice downward, close to the cob, allowing the kernels to fall away. 

But what is freeze drying?  Learn all about freeze drying and how it can benefit your family.

Making Sweet Corn

We personally love our corn to be sweet.  But you can skip this step if you'd like to just freeze dry your corn as is.  

Melt salt, sugar, butter and water together in large stockpot.  Add corn to melted mixture. Bring to low boil.  Cook 5 minutes.  Place cooked corn on freeze dryer trays and allow to cool to room temperature.

Alternativity, you can place the trays in the freezer and let them freeze before adding to the freeze dryer.  It will cut the time to process down a few hours. 

Blanching Corn

If you don't want to make sweet corn, it's important to blanch the corn before freeze drying. This step helps to preserve the color and texture of the corn while also preventing the growth of bacteria. 

After blanching and cooling, drain the corn thoroughly and spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. This will prevent the kernels from clumping together during the freeze-drying process.

Proper Storage and Rehydration

When it comes time to rehydrate your freeze-dried corn, there are a few techniques to ensure optimal results. One option is to simply add the corn to boiling water and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. This method allows the corn to quickly absorb the moisture and regain its original texture. The boiling water helps to expedite the rehydration process and ensures that the corn becomes plump and tender. 

You can also just add a handful of corn to a soup or casserole without rehydrating it.  You may need to add just a bit more liquid to the dish to ensure there is liquid for the corn to absorb.

Now you have the knowledge to create the perfect freeze-dried corn any time you desire.

What supplies do you need to get started freeze drying?

Freeze Dryer Machine:  We use the large Harvest Right Freeze Dryer.  We decided to go with the large because it can hold more, which means filling less often versus running the machine more often.  But they come in small, medium and large.  And they released an Ex-Large version in 2023.

Canning Jars:  You can store many foods in canning jars for short term use.  For long term shortage, jars need to either have an oxygen absorber or be sealed using a vacuum sealer.  They need to be stored in a cool and dark area to keep colors fresh.

Vacuum Sealer: A vacuum sealer is a good investment if you plan to store your freeze dried goods in jars.  This eliminates the cost and need for oxygen absorbers.

Mylar Bags:  A Mylar bag is a great choice for storing freeze dried foods.  They come in many sizes and keep light from getting to foods.  They can be stored in tubs or 5 gallon buckets for easy access.  Make sure to purchase thick bags to avoid foods puncturing through and ruining your food supply.

Impulse Sealer: An Impulse Sealer is used to seal Mylar bags.  Heat is applied to the bag layers to seal them together and avoid moisture, air and light from penetrating the bags.

Oxygen Absorbers: Whether you plan to use Mylar bags or canning jars, you'll want to invest in oxygen absorbers.  These will be added to each Mylar bag and short term shortage jars.  This ensures that any oxygen in the packaging is absorbed and keeps the food from spoiling.  

You can purchase these in many places including from Harvest Right and even on Amazon.  We've had success with both, but you may need to try a few brands until you find one that works best for you.

VIDEO:  Freeze Drying Corn

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