Fresh corn on the cob is in abundance at the end of summer and throughout the fall harvest season. Sweet and juicy, the ears are optimal for eating for only a few days after harvest. The raw ears, stored properly, can be cooked just like freshly harvested ones. Store sweet corn in the fridge or freezer, as whole ears or as kernels, for longer storage.
To store fresh corn in the fridge or frozen, choose the freshest possible ears. To tell if corn on the cob is fresh, look for these signs in corn with the husk on:
- Brown sticky tassels, also known as the silk
- Fresh, non-papery husks
- Plump, firm kernels beneath the husk
For husked corn, look for:
- Plump kernels with no signs of wrinkling
- An even color -- either white, yellow or white and yellow -- and avoid brown spots or discoloration
- No mushy portions on the cob or on the kernels
Regardless of whether you are using whole ears or kernels, freeze corn as soon as possible after harvest, as sweet corn starts deteriorating soon after it is harvested.