Corn buying etiquette

Anonymous
Is it rude to peel back the corn (on the cob) before you buy it. This farmer at the farmers market was getting frustrated (but in a very nice, polite way) because EVERYBODY was doing it. My mom says it's rude to peel back the corn. Never heard that before and was wondering if anybody else had?
Anonymous
Yes, it is rude. You should not shuck it until just before you cook it. Buy a couple extra cobs in case 1 or 2 or not good. Spend an extra 40 cents!
Anonymous
It has nothing to do with wondering if it's bad for me. I do it at the store so I don't have to deal with the mess in my house...
Anonymous
I wouldn't do it at all because the corn will dry out. But it I were going to do it, I wouldn't do it at a Farmer's Market because there's not much space and then what do you do with the husks? It doesn't sound the vendor had a trash can for your waste. If you need to do it, do it at the grocery store or wait until you get home.
Anonymous
Yes it's rude to shuck corn you have not purchased yet. I worked at a farmers market as a teenager.

Shucked corn immediately starts drying out. You should feel the corn to make sure it has kernels all the way through and no soft spots.

If you have nought the corn, I see no problem with shucking it at the store.
Anonymous
This is a sleep deprived OP so perhaps I wasnt clear. I'm not talking about shucking the corn (that would be quite rude!). But, you know how people peel back the husk a little, or a lot, as the case may be, to see if it's ok? That's what I meant. Is that inappropriate?
Anonymous
I don't think it's rude. I peel back a little at the top when I'm at the Giant to make sure it's a good ear of corn. I'm not going to waste my money if it's all dried out at the top or moldy.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:This is a sleep deprived OP so perhaps I wasnt clear. I'm not talking about shucking the corn (that would be quite rude!). But, you know how people peel back the husk a little, or a lot, as the case may be, to see if it's ok? That's what I meant. Is that inappropriate?


I do that and I think it's fine. But it wouldn't surprise me if someone at a farmer's market took issue with it. There is a lady at my farmer's market who scolded me for picking up apples! She insisted they were all fine and there was no need to check them (um, they weren't all fine). I never go to her stand anymore.
Anonymous
20:12 here - I did think that you meant shucking.

RE: Peeling it back to check on it - that is destructive and I would not do that.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:20:12 here - I did think that you meant shucking.

RE: Peeling it back to check on it - that is destructive and I would not do that.



What? you're crazy. you gotta check the corn. stupid-ass washington dc protocol. yes, OP, it's fine. would you buy a tomato without a small squeeze to check for firmness? or an avocado without feeling for ripeness? then peel the corn a tiny bit and check for rot!
Anonymous
I thought everybody peeled the corn back a little to check it. I do.
Anonymous
I currently live in MA and next to the corn display there is a trash can for the husks. It takes care of the mess so I don't have to bring that stuff into my house.
Anonymous
Everybody peels the husk back (that i have seen shopping for corn.)
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:It has nothing to do with wondering if it's bad for me. I do it at the store so I don't have to deal with the mess in my house...


Aaaaand this is exactly why it is bad behavior to do it at the store or farmer's market.

Personally I'm sick of picking through the husks of other people's corn to get to mine. I was at the store last weekend and what a mess.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:20:12 here - I did think that you meant shucking.

RE: Peeling it back to check on it - that is destructive and I would not do that.



What? you're crazy. you gotta check the corn. stupid-ass washington dc protocol. yes, OP, it's fine. would you buy a tomato without a small squeeze to check for firmness? or an avocado without feeling for ripeness? then peel the corn a tiny bit and check for rot!


Calm down. We are talking about corn
post reply Forum Index » Off-Topic
Message Quick Reply
Go to: