Canning Sweet Corn: A Guide to Capturing Summer's Gold Safely

Learn how to safely can sweet corn at home, with step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and answers to common questions.

⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.

The Starch Challenge of Canning Corn

Corn is high in starch, which can cause the canning liquid to become cloudy and make heat penetration more difficult. Corn is a low-acid vegetable and must be pressure canned at temperatures above 240°F (116°C) to destroy botulism spores.

⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.

Step-by-Step: Hot Pack Method for Whole Kernel Corn

  1. Prepare: Wash and heat jars. Prepare your pressure canner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Process Corn: Husk, remove silk, and blanch whole ears in boiling water for 3 minutes.
  3. Cut Kernels: After cooling, stand the ear upright in a large bowl or pan and cut off the kernels (do not scrape the cob).
  4. Hot Pack: Place corn kernels in a saucepan, cover with boiling water, and boil for 5 minutes.
  5. Pack Jars: Using a slotted spoon, pack hot corn into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Do not press down.
  6. Add Liquid: Pour boiling water over the corn, maintaining 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and apply lids.
  7. Pressure Process: Process jars in a pressure canner according to your altitude and canner type. Vent steam for 10 minutes before applying pressure and starting the timer.
  • Yield: About 20 pounds of fresh corn (with husks) makes 7 quarts.
  • Equipment: Pressure canner, 7 quart jars, lids, rings, optional canning salt.

Calculate Safe Pressure and Time

Use the calculator below to determine the correct pressure and processing time for your altitude and equipment:

Safety Calculator


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the liquid in my canned corn turn cloudy or white?

Starch from the corn can leach into the liquid at high temperatures, which is normal. As long as the jars are sealed and there is no off smell or bubbles, the corn is safe to eat.

Can I can whole ears of corn?

Not recommended. The internal temperature of whole ears is difficult to bring to safe levels, so there is a risk of unsafe product.

Which is better: raw pack or hot pack?

Both are acceptable, but hot packing helps remove air, improves quality, and reduces liquid loss during processing.


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⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.