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How to can your own creamed corn from fresh corn-on-the-cob (directions, recipe, with photos and free)

How to Can Creamed Corn - From Corn on the Cob!
using the "Hot Pack" method

Click here for a PDF print version

If you don't have room in your freezer, but you want to be able to enjoy the corn from your garden this winter, then home-canning your corn is the easy way to do it. Here's how to do make home-canned creamed corn, complete instructions in easy steps and completely illustrated. The corn will taste MUCH better than any canned creamed corn you've ever had from a store.  Frozen corn, of course, retains flavor better. If you want directions for freezing corn, click here.  And if you didn't know it, there is no cream in creamed corn; that referes to the texture and released juice or "milk" from the corn! One other important note: you will need a pressure canner.  Corn is a low acid food, so you cannot use a boiling water bath canner.  It must be a pressure canner. Pressure canners cost more than water bath canners, but they are more versatile and last a lifetime, and your children and grandchildren may be using it.  See this page for more information about pressure canners.

See this FAQ for more details: Can I use a water-bath canner instead of a pressure canner for low acid foods like corn?

Hot Pack v. Raw Pack? Hot pack means the corn is heated to boiling before we put it in the jars. Raw pack means it is placed into the jars without heating, and then the jars are processed in the canner.  Which is better?  Not much difference.  Food safety experts prefer the hot pack method, because you can stir the corn the ensure it gets evenly and thoroughly heated. Raw pack instructions are here, should you prefer them.

Directions for Canning Creamed Corn at Home

Ingredients and Equipment

• fresh corn on the cob - any quantity.  I figure 1.5 ears per serving.
• 1 Large pot of boiling water (for filling the jars)
• 1 medium sized pot of boiling water (to heat the cut corn)
• 2 large bowls, one filled with cold water and ice.
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Large spoon or ladle

 

Ideal ear - ripe but not bloated.  the kernels are still tender (easily punctured with your fingernail) and the juice is milky).  White, yellow or bicolor types are all fine!

 

Instructions

Step 1 - Get yer corn!

Start with fresh corn on the cob - as fresh as you can get.  If there is a delay between harvesting and canning, put it in the refrigerator or put ice on it. The sugars break down quickly at room temperature. According to the USDA, about 32 pounds (in husk) of sweet corn is needed per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 20 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints. Note that a bushel weighs 35 pounds and yields 6 to 11 quarts of canned corn, which is an average of 4 pounds of corn in the husks per quart of finished canned corn.

Step 2 - Get the pots  ready

 This is also a good time to get the canner filled (about 2/3 full)  with water and start it heating.

Step 3 - Husk the corn

Husk the corn and pick off as much of the silk as you can. A soft vegetable brush is the fastest and easiest way to get the remaining silk off - just don't be too rough with it.

 

 

 

Step 4 - Cut the kernels from the cob

Cream Style Corn Cut kernel tips about 1/2 deep and scrape the cobs with the back of a knife to remove the juice and the heart of the kernel. 

You don't need a special tool, just a very sharp knife! Some folks use an electric carving knife and report this is the easiest method, and a few use a meat slicer.

 

 

However, a number of people wrote in to point out that they prefer one of the tools below, as do I, often because it is easier for them due to arthritis, or simply faster.  

As the corn piles up in your bowl, it will look like this! 

Close up, the corn comes off in strips.  As you put these in the bag, they will easily separate into separate kernels.

 

 

 

 

Step 5 - Get a pot of water boiling

You'll need this to supplement the water in step 10 to fill the jars after you pack them with corn.

Step 6 - Heat the cut corn

Dump the cut kernels into a measure cup (so you know how much you have) and then put the corn into a saucepan or pot. Add 1 cup of hot water for each quart of corn.  Heat the corn to boiling and simmer 5 minutes.

Step 7 - Pack the jars

Fill pint jars* with corn, leaving 3/4 to 1 inch headspace (corn tends to expand more than other vegetables).  * - Ball and the USDA say to use pint or small sized jars.

Step 8 - Fill with hot water (the cooking liquid)

Be sure to include enough cooking liquid to cover the corn and jostle out any air bubbles that may be trapped. You may add additional plain boiling water from step 7, if you are short on liquids from the heated corn. Still leave 3/4 to 1 inch headspace

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 9 - Put the lids and rings on the jars

Wipe the rims of the jars, put the lids on and then the rings on snugly, not not TOO hard.

 

Step 10 - Process the jars in the pressure canner

Follow the directions with your pressure canner and process the jars for the times and pressures below depending upon your altitude, type of pressure canner and jar size. My canner is a dial-type, shown at left.

Once the gauge hits 10 or 11 pounds (depending on the type you have), start your timer going - for 25 minutes.  Adjust the heat, as needed, to maintain that pressure.

Note: the chart below will help you determine the right processing time and pressure, if you have a different type of canner, or are above sea level.

It is important to learn how to operate your pressure canner by reading the owner's manual that came with your particular canner. If you cannot find your owner's manual, you can obtain find one online: Here is where to find some common manufacturer's manuals:

• Presto canner manuals

or by contacting the company that made your canner. Give the model number to the manufacturer, and they will send you the right manual. More information about pressure canners and a variety of models you can order.