Corn on the cob is a nutritious and healthy food item.
Etiquette experts often describe the horror of eating corn as it cannot be eaten in a graceful way.
But for culinary enthusiasts, corn on the cob deserves to be savored with vigor unabashedly.
It is eaten a number of ways – boiled, fried, grilled, and roasted. Some people also like to seasoning on their corn, most commonly butter and salt.
Irrespective of the way you want to eat your corn, eating the corn on the day of its harvest gives you the most flavor and sweetness.
Corn is also relatively low in calories and therefore is a favorite for many dieters.
But of course, you should also supplement your nutritional needs with other foods such as broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and carrots as well.
If you love your corn as we do, it is a legit concern to ask, does corn on the cob go bad?
After all, you want to keep eating it for as long as possible, right? Let’s find out!
Does Corn the Cob Go Bad? How Long Does Corn on the Cob Last?
How long corn lasts varies from fresh corn on the cob and cooked corn on the cob.
Fresh Corn on the Cob
- Freshly harvested corn on the cob has a shelf life of 1 to 3 days. However, this is also affected by some factors which we discuss below.
- Fresh corn on the cob with the husks stored in the fridge will last longer. Keep the husk on the corn until you are ready to use it.
- If the corn that you bought has the husks removed, wrap it in a foil to preserve its freshness.
Frozen corn on the cob will last much longer, up to 8 months. According to experts, to freeze fresh corn on the cob, you need to perform the following steps.
- Husk the corn
- Remove the silk and wash it in cold water
- Blanch the corn in boiling water for about seven to ten minutes depending on the size of the corn
- Transfer it immediately to ice-cold water
- After it cools, drain the moisture
- Cover it in airtight containers or freezer bags for storage
Cooked Corn on the Cob
Cooked corn on the cob has a shelf life of about 3 to 5 days.
If you need to store the corn for longer, it is best to freeze it. Frozen cooked corn on the corn has a shelf life of about ten months.
To freeze cooked corn on the cob, you can use heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers.
How to Tell if Corn on the Cob is Bad? Corn on the Cob Shelf Life!
There are times when you are unable to keep track of when you stored the corn despite your best efforts.
It is vital that you eat the corn only if you know it is safe for consumption. So how do you tell if your stash of corn on the cob has gone bad?
Here are the signs of spoiled corn on the cob.
Appearance – A corn on the cob that is spoilt will have a slimy and moldy appearance. If you notice this on your stored corn, do not consume it.Corn on the cob that has spots of black and brown colors is also an indication that it has gone bad.
Smell – Another common sign that shows that corn on the cob is spoilt is a rancid smell. You should not consume corn if it gives out any type of unpleasant smell.
The reason why corn on the cob goes bad is the growth of microorganisms on the corn.
This is facilitated by storing the corn at high temperatures. The recommended temperature to store corn on the cob is 35o F.
Conclusion
While corn is a great item to add to your diet, a spoiled one can do more than upset your belly.
So it is always wise to look for signs of spoiled corn before you consume it.
This post should hopefully help you to decide whether the corn in your fridge is fit for eating to its time to get some new cobs.
How Long Does Corn on the Cob Last? Does Corn on the Cob Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Corn on the cob
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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