Do You Have To Wash Corn On The Cob?

Corn is never thought of as a favorite food, yet so many people love it. Whether served at a picnic or a holiday dinner, or just at your family dinner table, corn is sure to please. However, some people have questions about whether or not you have to clean corn on the cob before boiling or grilling.

Yes, you have to wash your corn on the cob before you cook and eat it. As with every other vegetable or fruit grown in a field, it is safest to eat after it is washed.

Now, imagining washing your corn in hot water with lots of suds is not what you want to be doing. Keep reading to find out why you need to wash corn on the cob and how to do that best.

The corn plants in the field, Do You Have To Wash Corn On The Cob?

How Do You Clean Corn On The Cob?

First, to clean your corn, you will want to husk it and peel away as much of the silk as possible. The best place to husk your corn, as many people will suggest, is outside. It is a messy process, and it is difficult to clean the mess inside.

Then, you will want to clean the corn on the cob. To do this, you will want to use cool water and a gentle rinse with no soap, and it is absolutely best to use no hot water, only cool or cold temperature water.

Read this article to find out more about washing specific produce, like potatoes.

Is There An Easy Way To Remove Silk From Corn On The Cob?

Removing all of the silk pieces off of your corn on the cob can be a very tedious and time-consuming process, but there are ways to make it a little bit easier. The first way to remove the silks is to peel as many as you can while taking the husk off of the corn.

The second way is, while running it under cool water, rub around the corn kernels lightly to brush away excess silk and other debris.

The last way to remove the silk from your corn is to use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to wipe away the silk from between the kernels. After those three ways, the best thing to do is peel any remains off after grilling or boiling.

Why Do You Soak Corn On The Cob?

Soaking your corn is important to add moisture, like many other vegetables. Another reason you would need to soak your corn on the cob is if you plan to grill your corn with the husk still on.

By soaking the corn with the husk, you add moisture to the husk to avoid it catching fire and burning on the grill. Otherwise, the husk will be too dry and will catch on fire, and your corn will be charred instead of grilled to perfection.

Close up Corn on the stalk in the field.

How Long Can Corn On The Cob Stay In Water?

Corn on the cob should be soaked for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can soak it for longer, but you should not soak for more than a few hours. This will ruin the taste and quality of your corn on the cob. You should be soaking your corn in cold water, and the water should be unsalted.

a closeup of corn on the cob

Do You Wash Corn On The Cob Before Grilling?

As with any other form of cooking corn on the cob, yes, you should wash it before grilling. It is important to wash it to remove all the silk and possible debris before grilling. You should soak your corn for about 30 minutes in cold, unsalted water.

Then, you should preheat the grill and oil the grill grates lightly. Remove the ears of corn from the water and place them on the grill. Once on the grill, turn the corn every few minutes, so the kernels cook evenly on all sides.

Whole Sweet Corn with leaves grilled on hot coal fire. Seen from above

Thoughts To Conclude

It is important to wash your corn on the cob before cooking and eating it. Washing it with cool water and no soap is the best way to do that. Washed corn will have less silk remaining on the cob. Also, as with every other piece of produce that grew out in a field, it is safest to wash before eating it, even if you are going to cook the produce.

A stockpot is a great tool to boil corn on the cob. Read this article on how big of a stockpot is needed.

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