How to Cut Corn off the Cob

Sweet and versatile corn is a delightful addition to any meal, and you can often get great buys on corn on the cob at the store. Conversely, it’s also easy to grow and harvest corn. While many people serve corn on the cob, cutting off the kernels and storing them for later use is easy. To do this effectively, you need a high-quality chef's knife, like the one in the 5-piece Japanese Master Chef Knife Set. This guide will teach you how to cut corn off the cob and suggest ways to store it.

How to Choose and Prep Your Corn

To select fresh corn on the cob, look for light brown tassels and not dried out. The husk should be bright green and tightly wrapped around the corn, while the corn itself should feel heavy for its size. When you squeeze the corn with the husk still on, it should be evenly firm as you work your way down.

Once you get the corn home, bring a large pot of water to a boil, ensuring the water is deep enough to submerge the cobs fully. Remove the husk and tassels from the corn. When the water reaches a boil, turn off the heat and place the corn in the water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for eight minutes. After that, carefully remove the corn from the water. Enjoy your perfectly prepared corn!

You can also prepare corn on the cob on the grill or campfire or roast it on a baking sheet in the oven to make things easier.

Essential Tools

Once you have cooked the corn, you'll need a few essential tools to prepare it for storage. This guide will show you exactly how to remove the kernels from the cob.

Harvest Your Skills With Seido Knives

Chef Knife

For the best results, use a chef knife with a blade about 8 inches long. The Kiritsuke Damascus Japanese Chef Knife is a fantastic choice, featuring an 8.5-inch Damascus steel blade. Another excellent option is the Awabi Gyuto Chef Knife, which has an 8-inch blade. These high-quality knives are durable and long-lasting, making them valuable additions to your kitchen.

Cutting Board

You also need a great cutting board, like our beautiful Gourmet Acacia End-Grain Cutting Board. Acacia is the hardest hardwood, so this cutting board will last for years. It pairs well with top-quality knives from Seido.

Sheet Pan

You may also need a sheet pan. One with short sides is perfect for catching the corn you cut off the cob.

Best Way to Cut Corn Off the Cob

There are at least two ways to cut corn off the cob. It’s recommended that you try both and see which you prefer.

Method 1: Cutting Board

Lay the corn flat or stand it up and use a knife to cut the corn off one side. Then, lay the corn flat on the side without kernels and cut the kernels off the top. Rotate the cob and cut the corn off the top. Keep rotating and cutting until all the kernels are off. Then, scoop the kernels into a bowl.

Method 2: Sheet Pan

Others find that the best way to cut corn off the cob is by using a sheet pan. In this case, instead of laying the corn flat, you simply cut around it while holding it standing up. Rotate the corn slightly after each cut so that you are always cutting away from yourself. As long as you are consistent with the cutting, the corn will be cut clean off the cob.

Cutting Methods: Lay Flat vs. Stand Tall

The choice is yours if you prefer to lay the corn flat after making the first cut or leave it standing up for all cuts. However, laying it flat provides a firmer cutting surface, allowing you to have better control. On the other hand, cutting with the corn standing upright can provide for cleaner cuts.

Bonus Tips for Storing Corn

Once you have the corn cut off the cob, it is best to use it in a recipe immediately to not lose its sweetness. If you have too much corn, put it in a sealed plastic bag and place that in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It will last for approximately two to three days.

If you cannot consume all the corn within a few days, freeze it. You can put the kernels in plastic containers or freezer bags. For the best results, always leave a little room at the top of the bag or container.

Final Thoughts

When corn is in season, be sure to grab some at your local grocery store or farmers market. Cutting corn off the cob is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your culinary options. With chef's tools from Seido Knives and the right techniques, you can easily prepare fresh corn for a variety of dishes.

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