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National Corn on the Cob Day

Food · June 11

A food day for corn on the cob: sweet summer ears, boiled or grilled, buttered and eaten straight off the cob by hand.

National Corn on the Cob Day falls on Friday, June 11, 2027. That is 227 days away.

Corn on the cob is exactly what it sounds like: an ear of sweet corn, cooked whole and eaten straight from the cob. You hold it with both hands, or with those tiny forks shaped like corn, and work your way down the rows.

Sweet corn is picked young, while the kernels are still soft and full of milky juice. That is different from field corn, which is left to dry and mostly goes to animal feed and processed foods. Fresh ears are wrapped in green husks, with a tuft of silk at the top. Each strand of silk connects to a single kernel.

Most people boil it, steam it, or grill it. Grilling in the husk keeps the kernels tender, while grilling bare gives them charred, smoky spots. Butter and salt are the classic finish. Some people add lime and chili, grated cheese, or herbs.

There are two main ways to eat it. Some go around the ear in circles. Others go across in straight lines, like a typewriter. Families tend to have strong opinions about this, and people rarely switch styles once they have settled on one.

When you buy it, look for husks that are bright green and slightly damp, with silk that is brown at the tip but not dry. The sugar in sweet corn starts turning to starch after picking, so the freshest ears taste the sweetest.

Ways to celebrate

• Try grilling an ear in its husk for tender, steamy kernels.
• Pick up a few fresh ears at a farm stand or market.
• Top corn with lime, chili and a little cheese.
• Ask friends whether they eat around the cob or across it.

Dates

All national days on June 11

Also on June 11

• National German Chocolate Cake Day

Categories: Food days