Nothing screams summer more than barbecues, picnics, and corn on the cob. Corn on the cob is a classic staple that can be easily made at home with just a few steps. However, boiling corn on the cob can be tricky. Do you boil the corn for too long or too little? How do you know when the corn is ready to be taken off the stove? In this article, we will take a look at how long you should boil fresh corn on the cob to achieve perfection.
Why Boil Corn on the Cob?
Before we dive into how long you should boil fresh corn, let’s first ask why we should boil it. Boiling corn on the cob is a great way to cook it because it allows the natural sweetness of the corn to come out. When you boil corn, the natural sugars break down a little, making it easier for your system to absorb them. Boiling corn on the cob is also easy and convenient. All you need is a pot, water, and of course, fresh corn.
How Long Do You Boil Fresh Corn?
The amount of time you boil fresh corn on the cob depends on how tender you want the corn. Typically, fresh corn on the cob should be boiled for 7-10 minutes. If you like your corn to be a little firmer, then boiling it for 7 minutes is sufficient. If you like your corn more tender, then boiling it for around 10 minutes is the way to go.
Factors That Affect Boiling Time
Several factors can affect how long you should boil fresh corn on the cob. These include the age of the corn, the size of the ear, and the altitude of your location. Older corn takes longer to boil than fresh corn. Small ears of corn boil more quickly than large ears of corn. If you live at a higher altitude, you will need to adjust your boiling time.
How to Tell If Corn Is Done Boiling
So, how do you know when the corn on the cob is done boiling? To check if the corn is done boiling, stick a fork or a knife into one of the kernels. If it feels tender and easy to bite into, then the corn is ready. You can also check the color of the kernels. When corn is done, the kernels are bright and sunny yellow.
Steps to Boil Fresh Corn
Now that we know how long we should boil fresh corn, let’s take a look at the steps you should follow to boil fresh corn on the cob:
- Peel off the husks and silk from the corn ears.
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corn.
- Add salt to the water. (optional)
- Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat up to high.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the corn to the pot.
- Boil the corn for 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
Other Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob
While boiling is the easiest way to cook corn on the cob, there are other ways you can cook it too.
Grilling
Grilling corn on the cob is a great way to keep the natural sweetness of the corn intact. Here’s what you need to do to grill corn on the cob:
- Peel off the husks and silk from the corn ears.
- Brush the corn with butter or olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper to the corn.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes.
- Rotate the corn every 3-4 minutes to evenly cook it.
- Remove the corn from the grill, let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy it!
Microwaving
Microwaving corn on the cob is convenient and less messy than boiling corn. Here’s what you need to do to microwave corn on the cob:
- Peel off the husks and silk from the corn ears.
- Place the corn on a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a wet paper towel.
- Microwave the corn for 3-5 minutes, depending on how tender you want the corn to be.
- Let the corn cool for a few minutes before eating.
Conclusion
Boiling fresh corn on the cob is one of the easiest and most convenient ways of cooking it. It takes just a few minutes to cook, and the results are delicious. Remember to adjust your boiling time based on how tender you want the corn to be, or depending on the size of the corn and altitude where you live. If you want to try out other ways of cooking corn, you can always grill or microwave it.
Common Questions
- How do I know if the corn is fresh?
- How do I store fresh corn?
- How do I know when the corn is no longer fresh?
- Can I freeze fresh corn?
- Peel off the husks and silk from the corn ears.
- Blanch the corn in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool.
- Cut the kernels off the cob and place them in freezer bags.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bags, and freeze them.
You can tell if the corn is fresh by looking at the husks. Fresh corn has bright green, tightly wrapped husks. The silk should be light in color and slightly sticky to the touch. When you peel back the husks, the kernels should be tight and plump.
You can store fresh corn in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leave the husks on and place them in a plastic bag. If you’ve already removed the husks, wrap the corn in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container.
You can tell if the corn is no longer fresh by checking the husks. If the husks are dry and brown, the corn is no longer fresh. If the kernels are loose or have wrinkled, then the corn is past its prime.
Yes, you can freeze fresh corn. Here’s how to freeze fresh corn:
References
1. National Corn Growers Association. (2021). Fresh sweet corn. Retrieved from https://www.ncga.com/know-your-kernels/fresh-sweet-corn
2. Better Homes & Gardens. (2021). How long to boil corn. Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-long-to-boil-corn/