How to Tell if Corn is Ripe

Homegrown corn tastes better than store bought for a simple reason: it is fresher. Corn begins to convert the sweet tasting sugars stored in its kernels to less appetizing starches as soon as it is harvested. Homegrown corn tastes fantastic because you have the opportunity to eat it when it has the highest level of sugars. Eating corn within minutes, not days, of harvest is certainly a luxury, but how can you be sure that your corn is perfectly ripe? Just look for these telltale signs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a look at each ear. Ripe ears should feel plump and full and have a top full of silk. Each strand of silk connects to an individual kernel of corn, so a full tassel of silk indicates a cob with lots of fully formed kernels. Wait to harvest until the silk is dry and pale brown.

2. Still not sure your corn is ready? Go ahead and take a peek inside. Gently peel back the husk at the top of the ear and pierce a kernel with a toothpick. If the corn is ripe, a milky substance should leak out. The liquid will be clear if the corn is still not ready and pasty if it is past its peak.

3. If you can’t throw your corn on the grill or into a boiling pot of water immediately after harvest, then you need to quickly cool it off. Chilling the corn slows down the conversion of sugars to starches and helps preserve its flavor. After harvesting, plunge the corn into a sink filled with ice water and let it chill for 10 minutes.

4. Remove the ears from the water, dry them off, place them in a plastic bag, and stick them in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator.

5. Eat the corn as soon as possible for the best flavor.

Resources

• DigginFood