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How to can your own corn from corn-on-the-cob using the raw pack method (directions, recipe, with photos and free)

How to Can Corn - From Corn on the Cob!
using the "Raw 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 it, complete instructions in easy steps and completely illustrated. The corn will taste MUCH better than any canned corn you've ever had from a store.  Frozen corn, of course, retains flavor better. If you want directions for freezing corn, click here.  One other important note: you will need a Pressure Canner.  Corn is a low acid food, so you cannot use a 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? 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. I usually use the "hot pack" method. Hot pack instructions are here, should you prefer them.

Directions for Canning Corn at Home

Ingredients and Equipment

• fresh corn on the cob - any quantity.  I figure 1.5 ears per serving.
• 1 medium sized pot of boiling water (to pour over the corn in the jars)
• Canning jars, lids and rings
• 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!

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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 41/2 pounds of corn in the husks per quart of finished canned corn.

Step 2 - Get the pots  ready

Get the medium sized pot filled with water.  This is also a good time to get the canner filled according to your canner's directions (usually several inches of water)  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

Obviously, if you are canning the corn on the cob, skip this step. 

Whole Kernel Corn - Cut kernels from cob about 2/3 to 3/4 the depth of the kernels. I hold the ear by the small end, and slide the knife down the ear. See the next photo.

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. 

Another way to prepare cream style corn for canning is to cut and scrape the corn from the cob without blanching. Place the cut corn in a double boiler, and heat with constant stirring for about 10 minutes or until it thickens; allow to cool by placing the pan in ice water. 

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 will need this to fill the jars after you pack them with corn.

Step 6 - Pack the jars

Fill jars with corn leaving 3/4 to 1 inch headspace (corn tends to expand more than other vegetables).

Step 7 - Fill with hot liquid

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 8 - 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.

 

Processing time for corn in a dial-gauge pressure canner
Raw Pack			Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Jar Size	Process Time	0 - 2,000 ft	2,001 - 4,000 ft	4,001 - 6,000 ft	6,001 - 8,000 ft
Pints	55 min	11 lb	12 lb	13 lb	14 lb
Quarts	85 min	11	12	13	14