Corn Canning Recipes

Mak Erot

4 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Corn Canning Recipes: A Guide to Preserving Summer's Sweetness

Summer's bounty is at its peak, and what better way to savor those sweet corn kernels than by canning them? This comprehensive guide provides you with delicious and safe corn canning recipes, ensuring you enjoy the taste of summer all year round. We'll cover everything from selecting the perfect corn to the proper canning techniques, ensuring a successful and flavorful harvest.

Choosing the Right Corn

The key to delicious canned corn is starting with high-quality, fresh corn. Here’s what to look for:

• Sweet Corn Varieties: Opt for sweet corn varieties known for their superior flavor and tenderness. Look for labels indicating varieties like 'Silver Queen' or 'Sweetness'.
• Freshness is Key: Choose ears with plump, milky kernels that are tightly packed on the cob. Avoid ears with dry, shriveled kernels or damaged husks.
• Harvest Timing: Harvest corn when the silks are brown and dry, and the kernels are plump and milky. The best time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried.

Preparing the Corn for Canning

Before you begin the canning process, you'll need to prepare your corn:

Shucking and Cleaning:

1. Carefully remove the husks and silks from the corn ears.
2. Rinse the ears under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Removing Kernels:

You have several options for removing corn kernels:

• Cutting Off the Cob: Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob, holding the cob upright and slicing down towards the cob.
• Corn Cutter: A corn cutter is a handy tool that makes removing kernels quickly and efficiently.

Blanching:

Blanching the corn before canning is crucial for preserving color, texture, and flavor. This process helps to inactivate enzymes that can cause the corn to lose its vibrancy during storage.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Gently add the corn kernels to the boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pot.
3. Immediately plunge the blanched corn into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
4. Drain the corn thoroughly before proceeding to the canning process.

Corn Canning Methods: Two Delicious Options

We'll explore two popular methods for canning corn:

Method 1: Canning Whole Kernel Corn

This method preserves the corn kernels whole, retaining their texture and shape.

1. Pack the Jars: Pack the blanched corn kernels tightly into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1-inch headspace.
2. Add Salt and Water: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to each pint jar and fill the jars with boiling water, leaving the 1-inch headspace.
3. Remove Air Bubbles: Run a clean knife or spatula around the inside of the jars to remove any air bubbles.
4. Wipe the Rims: Clean the jar rims with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
5. Apply Lids and Rings: Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them fingertip-tight.
6. Process in a Canner: Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for the recommended time (refer to your canning guide for specific times based on altitude).

Method 2: Canning Cream Style Corn

This method creates a creamy, smoother corn texture, perfect for soups, stews, or side dishes. The process is similar to the whole kernel method, but you'll need to blend a portion of the corn before canning.

1. Blend a Portion: Blend a portion of the blanched corn until it reaches your desired creaminess.
2. Combine and Pack: Mix the blended corn with the remaining whole kernels and pack into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
3. Follow Steps 2-6 from Method 1: Continue with steps 2-6 from the whole kernel method, processing in a boiling water bath canner according to your canning guide's recommendations.

Important Safety Precautions

• Sterilize Jars and Lids: Always sterilize your jars and lids before canning to prevent spoilage.
• Follow Canning Guides: Adhere to established canning guidelines for processing times and procedures based on your altitude. Improper canning can lead to foodborne illness.
• Proper Headspace: Maintaining the correct headspace is vital to ensure proper sealing and prevent spoilage.
• Inspect Jars After Canning: Check for proper sealing after the canning process is complete. Any jars that don't seal properly should be refrigerated and consumed promptly.

By following these steps, you can safely and successfully can your homegrown corn, ensuring you can enjoy the taste of summer throughout the year. Happy canning!