It's that time of year to enjoy fresh corn on the cob. What is the best way to prepare corn on the cob? There are numerous ways to prepare it successfully. Check out these tips to purchase, clean, and cook corn on the cob to help turn this Nebraska vegetable into a staple on your table.
Purchasing: Choose ears with green husks, fresh silks and tight rows of kernels. Store corn in the husk in plastic wrap or plastic bag in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook and consume corn on the cob within 1-2 days for best quality.
Cleaning: If the kernels look dry or have damage on the tip, cut off the end of the ear. Rinse the ears under cool, running water before cooking. Most people typically remove the outer husk and silks before preparing. However, it does vary with the cooking method. Cooking corn on the cob with the husks on will help retain moisture and flavor.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Choose the cooking method that is most convenient for you and your family.
Microwave: Place shucked or un-shucked corn in a microwave-safe dish. For shucked corn, cook 4 minutes, add more time if needed until kernels are tender. For un-shucked corn, cook for 5 minutes before removing the husk and silk.
Stovetop: Shuck the corn. Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil and add the corn. All of the corn should be covered with water. Cover pot and reduce heat to medium. Cook corn until the kernels are tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Multi-Cooker: Shuck the corn. Place the trivet in the multi-cooker with about 1 cup of water. Place the corn in the pot, stacking if needed. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes with a quick-release. Carefully remove the lid once pressure has reduced and serve immediately.
Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Shuck corn and place each ear on a piece of aluminum foil. Add butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Tightly wrap and roast directly on oven rack. Cook until kernels are tender, about 30 minutes. Allow corn to cool for 5 minutes before opening.
Grill: Preheat grill to high heat (400° to 450°F). Shuck corn or leave one or two inner layers of husk on to grill, if preferred. Brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Pull husk back up around the entire ear, if desired. Grill for 8 to 12 minutes, turning corn every 2 to 3 minutes to char each side.
According to the USDA, Americans should consume half of their plate with vegetables and fruits each day. Corn on the cob can help you and your family maintain your consumption of vegetables each day.
One-medium corn on the cob contains: 100 calories, 1 g fat, 23.5 g carbohydrates, 3.5 g sugar, 2.5 g fiber, 0 mg sodium, 3.5 g protein and 212 mg potassium.
This article was peer-reviewed in 2020.
FAQs
Corn on the cob is a culinary term for a cooked ear of sweet corn (maize) eaten directly off the cob. The ear is picked while the endosperm is in the "milk stage" so that the kernels are still tender. Ears of corn are steamed, boiled, or grilled usually without their green husks, or roasted with them.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob? ›
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the corn. Cook, stirring occasionally to make sure the corn is submerged, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the corn is tender and bright yellow.
Is 20 minutes too long to boil corn? ›
Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels. You can steam for 8-10 minutes or less, or even use the microwave.
What does cob mean? ›
What is COB? COB stands for "close of business" that professional organizations use when referring to the end of the business day. Many professionals base COB hours on times that businesses traditionally close in the United States, which is typically 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
What does corn mean symbolism? ›
Naadą́ą́' (corn) is a primary staple of Diné (Navajo) life and a symbol of sustenance in Dinétah (the Diné homeland). It is one of four sacred plants given to the Diné and it provides both food and medicine. Eating corn can bring clear thoughts and new knowledge.
What does it mean to crave corn on the cob? ›
Skipping meals or not eating a well-balanced diet can lead to imbalances in our blood sugar levels, which can trigger cravings for sugary or starchy foods, like corn. Eating regular, balanced meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
How do you eat corn say about you? ›
Some people claim how you eat corn on the cob says a lot about your personality. Straight across is supposed to mean that you are analytical and organized where around shows that you are spontaneous and creative.
What's the difference between corn and corn on the cob? ›
A corncob, also called corn cob, cob of corn, or corn on the cob, is the central core of an ear of maize (also known as corn).
Can you over boil corn? ›
If you enjoy perfectly tender corn, you might wonder how long to boil it. The answer depends on its freshness and sweetness, as well as whether it's still on the cob, in its husk, or shucked into kernels. Over-boiling can result in an unpleasant mushy texture and reduce its antioxidant activity (1).
How long do you boil corn on the cob before it's ready to eat? ›
How long to boil corn on the cob? Boil the corn until the kernels turn bright yellow and are crisp tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the water with tongs to a serving platter and serve warm.
Brown sugar will add a hint of molasses flavor to corn, while granulated sugar gives a pure, sweet taste. When done, sprinkle liberally with salt and butter for the perfect salty sweet side dish.
Why is my corn still hard after boiling? ›
If your corn is still hard, tough, or even chewy after it's boiled, it can be a result of two factors. For one thing, you may have over-cooked your corn. Set a time to ensure your corn isn't boiling for too long. Another reason might be the freshness of your corn.
How do I know when my corn is ready? ›
It takes about 20 days after the silks first appear on the ear before the corn has developed enough. Ears will be ready to pick when the silks turn brown, but the husk remains green. Stalks should have at least one ear near the top before harvesting occurs.
What does an ear of corn symbolize? ›
The cross section of the ear of corn provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.
What is the symbol of corn in the Bible? ›
In the case of corn, wine, and oil, you will find that together they represent the Gospel. Individually, corn is associated with Jesus or bread; wine is represented by the blood of Christ in some contexts, and God's wrath in others; and oil is often pointing to the Holy Spirit.
What is the origin of corn on the cob? ›
Scientists believe people living in central Mexico developed corn at least 7000 years ago. It was started from a wild grass called teosinte. Teosinte looked very different from our corn today. The kernels were small and were not placed close together like kernels on the husked ear of modern corn.
What is the old meaning of corn? ›
The word "corn" comes from the Old English via Old Norse korn, meaning "grain." In most of the world, "corn" simply means the cereal crop most dominant in a region and can refer to any number of grains such as rye, wheat or oats.
