There’s a season for fresh corn, and then there’s not. So rather than stooping to sad, tasteless, pale cobs from the store when the time just ain’t right, Southerners reach for the two next best things: canned corn and frozen corn.

Cans of corn kernels are easy to spot—being that it’s always in a can. But frozen corn is where things get interesting. There are, of course, the frozen bags. They are familiar, akin to those green pouches of peas that you might drape over a twisted ankle in a pinch.

But look closer: Peeking out from behind the frosted freezer panes of the Piggly Wiggly, you might find something more mysterious and equally prized: Tubes—yes, tubes—of frozen corn. Chief among them isMcKenzie’s, a charming corn tube, its packaging designed to look like a shrouded corn cob stalk in the wild.

What Is McKenzie’s Frozen Corn?

Manufactured under the Birds Eye brand, which also specializes in stove-ready and microwave-ready prepared vegetables and meals, McKenzie’s corn is available in a few different iterations: White Creamed Corn, Golden Creamed Corn, and best of all, “Iron Skillet Style Fried Corn.” The latter comes with black pepper already added, so you know it’s legit.

As for its taste, Senior Editorial Producer Ivy Odom called it “velouté-esque,” referring to a thickened roux-based sauce that’s a foundation of French cuisine. It’s no surprise that McKenzie’s corn has this quality—after all, velouté is not at all unlike the classic Alabama White Sauce, traditionally served atop fried chicken. That’s proof enough that McKenzie’s frozen corn would fit right in at a summertime cookout or potluck.

I tried the microwave method, because after all, the log of corn promises “Iron Skillet Fried Corn” either way. The result was pleasant, even without the iron skillet.

I noticed that the mixture takes some time after cooking to fully thicken up, even after stirring. I recommend letting the bowl of sit and steam to cool for about one minute at least. Not only is it ideal for preventing any scalding, but it allows the saucy flavors to meld completely.

How To Use McKenzie’s Frozen Corn

While you can cook McKenzie’s corn on the stovetop or in the microwave. No matter which way you prepare it, we recommend adding bacon fat, butter, and any other seasonings or herbs (like chives) to your personal preference. Here are some tips for cooking with frozen corn that comes in a log:

• To remove the corn from the log, run it under hot water for about 30 seconds. This will loosen the contents and allow you to cut a slit and remove the corn. It’ll still be in a log shape, but it’ll be a little easier to handle.
• To microwave frozen corn: Transfer the frozen corn to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high, stirring at least once, until it’s tender, as the package directs (about 8 to 10 minutes).
• To cook it on the stovetop: Cook it over medium-low heat with a splash of water in a skillet; alternatively, place frozen corn in a double boiler over boiling water and cook as the package directs, until tender.
• It’s best not to place the frozen corn directly into a pan of hot grease—it’ll pop and splatter on you! Instead, stir in any seasonings or fat (like butter or bacon grease) at the end, before serving.