Easiest Way to Can Corn

If you're like a lot of people you may grow your own vegetable garden. Corn is probably the easiest and cheapest crops to grow and it is delicious. But when it comes time to harvest you will probably have so much you won't be able to eat all of it before it spoils. That leaves you with only a couple options, preserve what you don't eat fresh or let it go to waste.

Another tip. In early fall when farmers harvest their crops you will be able to pick up corn at the lowest price of the year. This may be the perfect opportunity to pick up corn at a bargain. If you choose to can it and store it for the year you can save quite a bit of money. So even if you don't have a big enough garden to grow your own vegetables this is a good option.

It is important to nate that because corn is a low acid food it needs to be cooked at a high temperature. This is why the pressure canner is necessary. It will allow you to reach higher temperatures and ensure there isn't any bacteria.

Here is my personal favorite way to can corn. If done properly, it will last years on the shelf.

You will need:

1: A pressure cooker/ pressure canner

2: About 40 pounds of corn

3: 20 pint jars, lids and rings

4: A sharp knife

5: Canning salt

Step 1: Remove the husks from each ear of corn

Step 2: Blanch the corn. boil the corn for 2 minutes and then cool them in cold water. This will make it easier to remove from the cob.

Step 3: Take a knife and cut all of the corn off the cob.

Step 4: Fill each pint jar with corn. Leave 1" of head space. Some people prefer to boil the kernels for five minutes before filling the jars. This will allow you to fit more kernels per jar.

Step 5: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to each Jar.

Step 6: Use a ladle to add boiling water. Maintain 1 inch of head space. Remove the air bubbles from each jar using a spoon or other utensil.

Step 7: Place lids and rings on each jar.

Step 8: Place in pressure cooker for 55 minutes at 1 pounds

Step 9: remove jars and allow them to cool for at least 12 hours. Ensure each jar is sealed by removing the rings and pressing on the lid. There will not be any give if it is sealed correctly. You can store them without the rings or put the rings back on.

When you are done be sure to store your canned goods in a cool dry place.

When stored properly canned corn can have a shelf life of several years. I would strongly recommend seasoning the corn when you are ready to eat it. It may be bland after being canned.

The corn can be opened and added to a soup or stew. Or you can use it as a quick side dish. All you will need to do is heat it up and season it.

Another option for preserving corn may be drying it out. Some people may be interested in using dried corn as animal feed. If you are using heirloom seeds you can dry the seeds and reuse them for next years garden.

Some people may be interested in using the corn as a mash for fuel alcohol. If you get the proper license you could even distill it into moonshine.