Enjoy Summer Sweet Corn Any Time of the Year

Cooked corn on the cob, on a plate with herbs and seasoning salt
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Kids love corn on the cob because it's fun to eat. If you can't find fresh corn or if it's out of season, frozen makes a nutritious alternative. In fact, frozen corn may be a better source of vitamins and minerals than the fresh version. Shortly after picking, the corn is blanched and quickly frozen, which halts the loss of nutrients. But, like frozen broccoli, the key to keeping this kid-friendly veggie delicious is to not over-cook it, which may require a little more attention to the pot and the clock.

This method calls for stove-top cooking, but microwaving is also an option. Place the corn cobs on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a wet paper towel. Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes, turning corn over halfway through.

Tip

Next summer freeze your own corn-on-the-cob. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add your fresh husked corn. Turn off the heat and cook for 5 minutes. Cool the corn quickly running under cold water or dipping in an ice-bath to stop the cooking. Place the corn in a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 10 months. Cook as you would your store-bought frozen corn.

Total Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 1 minute | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears of frozen corn

Directions:

  1. Place your corn in a large pot and cover with cold water.
  2. Set the stove to high heat and cook until the water is boiling.
  3. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. With tongs, remove corn from hot water and place on a plate. Serve immediately. 

Tip

Salt, pepper and butter make tasty additions to corn, but creating flavored butter may make it even more fun. Mix mint, basil, cayenne or garlic in softened butter and serve at the table with your corn.

If you're watching your calories or trying to stay away from butter, flavor your cooked corn with fresh lime juice. Heat the lime in the microwave for 10 seconds to increase juiciness. Cut the lime in half and squeeze over the ear of corn.

When corn cooks too long, the sugar turns to starch, causing the loss of its distinct sweet flavor. Finding the right length of cooking time for your frozen corn might take a little trial and error. Turning down the heat and keeping a close eye on the cooking time are imperative steps in the process.