I’m from the Midwest — Here’s the No. 1 Rule I Always Follow to Pick the Sweetest Corn

Living in the heart of the Midwest, I have had the privilege of enjoying some of the freshest and most delicious corn on the cob. There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a sweet, juicy ear of corn during the peak of summer. Over the years, I have honed my skills in picking out the best corn, and I have one rule that I always follow to ensure that I bring home the sweetest ears every time.

The No. 1 Rule: Look for Plump, Green Husks

When it comes to picking out the sweetest corn, the most important thing to look for is plump, green husks. The husk is the outer layer of leaves that covers the ear of corn, and it can tell you a lot about the quality of the corn inside. A fresh, high-quality ear of corn will have husks that are bright green in color and feel firm to the touch. Avoid ears with dry or browning husks, as this can indicate that the corn is past its prime and may be starchy or less sweet.

Another thing to look for when examining the husk is the presence of silks. Silks are the fine, hair-like strands that protrude from the tip of the ear of corn. A few silks are normal, but if the corn has an excessive amount of silks or if they are dry and discolored, it could be a sign that the corn is not as fresh as it should be.

Additional Tips for Choosing Sweet Corn

In addition to looking for plump, green husks, there are a few other tips that can help you pick out the sweetest corn:

• Feel the kernels: Gently press your thumb against a few kernels on the ear of corn. They should feel plump and full, indicating that the corn is ripe and sweet.
• Check for small holes: Look for small holes or tears in the husk, as this can be a sign of worms or other pests that have eaten the corn.
• Avoid corn with brown tassels: The tassels are the tufts of hair at the tip of the ear of corn. If they are dry or turning brown, the corn may be past its prime.

Conclusion

By following the simple rule of looking for plump, green husks, you can ensure that you pick out the sweetest and freshest corn every time. Remember to also pay attention to the silks, kernels, and tassels to further assess the quality of the corn. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the best corn on the cob that the Midwest has to offer.

FAQs

Q: How should I store fresh corn?

A: Store fresh corn in the refrigerator with the husk still intact. This will help preserve its freshness and sweetness. Use the corn within a few days for the best flavor.

Q: Can I freeze fresh corn?

A: Yes, you can freeze fresh corn for later use. Simply blanch the corn in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool it in an ice bath. Cut the kernels off the cob and store them in airtight containers in the freezer.

Q: How do I know when corn is ready to harvest?

A: Corn is ready to harvest when the silks at the tip of the ear turn brown and dry. Press a kernel with your thumbnail; if it produces a milky liquid, the corn is ripe and ready to be picked.