How To Choose and Store Fresh Corn

Helpful tips for choosing fresh corn, plus simple storage solutions that will keep your produce fresh for as long as possible.

Corn on the cob with text overlay: Tips for Choosing and Storing Fresh Corn — Photo by Yuli Bejarano

Freshly picked corn on the cob is a summer time favorite. We love making grilled Mexican Street Corn whenever we can get our hands on fresh, sweet corn.

Whether you enjoy it straight off the cob, or add it to your favorite soups, salads and side dishes, these tips will help you choose the freshest corn, and help you keep it fresh for as long as possible.

What should I look for when choosing fresh corn?

Check the husk: It should be bright green, a little bit damp, and wrapped tightly around the cob. Small brown holes in the husk mean insects and should be avoided.

Also check the bottom of the corn where the ear was broken off the stalk. If this area is brown, the corn is probably not the freshest choice. If you can help it, don’t peel back the husk. This dries out the corn and shortens its shelf life.

Check the tassel: The corn silk sticking out at the top of the cob is the tassel. When choosing corn, the tassel should be light brown or gold, and slightly sticky to the touch.

The tassel should smell sweet with no signs of decay. Avoid corn that has a dry, black, or mushy tassel.

How should I store fresh corn?

You can keep your corn on the counter if you’ll be using it that day. Otherwise, refrigerate the corn in the crisper with the husks on, tightly wrapped in a plastic bag.

Can I freeze fresh corn?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze fresh corn! You can freeze blanched or unblanched corn. I prefer freezing unblanched corn kernels because it’s quicker and easier. Follow these steps to freeze unblanced corn:

Remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife or corn kernel cutting tool
Place the corn kernels in freezer bags, seal tightly, and label
Freeze for up to 12 months
To thaw corn: place the corn in the refrigerator overnight, or quickly thaw the corn by running the bag under water

Be sure to try these delicious recipes featuring corn.

More Delicious Corn Recipes

Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Grilled corn and potatoes are slow cooked in a creamy, cheese broth, along with red pepper and jalapeno, in this hearty, late-summer soup recipe.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

All the flavors of Mexican street corn, including fresh grilled corn on the cob, come together in this colorful and delicious pasta salad.

Grilled Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Flavorful grilled chicken is piled into warm tortillas, along with Mexican street corn and your favorite taco toppings.

Confetti Corn with Orzo

Orzo pasta is combined with corn, peppers and savory seasonings in this easy, colorful side dish that's perfect with almost any meal.

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Corn is smothered in a mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise and spices, then baked until hot and bubbly in this baked version of Mexican street corn.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

This easy to make corn salsa if fresh tasting, delicious, and just like the corn salsa at Chipotle restaurants.

Easy Honey Butter Corn

Transform fresh or frozen corn into family favorite side dish with the addition of honey, butter, and a touch of cream cheese.

Sweet Corn Spoonbread Dressing

This savory Thanksgiving side dish is a mash-up of cornbread, corn pudding, and traditional stuffing. It's comforting, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.