Corn buying etiquette

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once I broke off the inedible bare stem of the broccoli bunch, and left it on the produce display. When I checked out the cashier, after giving me a scornful look, told me that I should not do that again because they expect customers to buy the whole broccoli.

The stem is edible if you peel it.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it at the farmer's market because I'm scared of the farmers. I usually peek at one ear in the market to make sure it looks reasonable. Corn is so cheap here (NC) so I just buy extra in case one is bad.

And what is up with the people who shuck? Do you not know that the best way to cook it is in the microwave with the husk on?

[Anonymous]

If you don't cook it in the husk you're doing it wrong. I don't care if people pull back but I quietly shake my head at their ignorance. Poor people don't know how to enjoy good food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread turned out exactly as I thought it would. Thanks DCUM for not disappointing! The required elements were:

1. Question about peeling back the husk. I could tell this from the title.
2. Numerous answers misunderstanding the original question (that is, whether husking is ok)
3. Side discussion on the merits of the misunderstood question (to husk or not to husk? That wasn't the question)
4. Indignant disagreement over the main question, complete with claims of superior basis for knowledge.
5. Discussion of the impact on the less fortunate (downtrodden farmers)
6. Segue into how much DCUMers make and what they drive.

Love you!

8 years later and the nature of DCUM hasn’t changed much

[Anonymous]

I understand the behavior.

If there are ten ears of corn, only one of them is the best ear. It is your job to find that ear of corn.

[Anonymous]

You should be able to tell by the tassels--brown but not all dried out, and the husks still feel fresh and moist. The cob, when felt through the husk, should feel full.
But I often part the husks a tiny bit. I don't worry about bugs or mold so much as watching for any sign of denting, which means the corn is no good to eat anymore, sugar has turned to starch.

Corn fungus that causes gigantic kernels (like elephantiasis of the corn!) is something I saw one year in my parents' sweet corn patch. I learned later it is considered a serious delicacy.

[Anonymous]

When we were in NC the farmers would sometimes throw in extra ears for the same price. Here, no.

But I don't shuck it at the farmers market or store because it's delicious grilled as is, in the husk. I just buy one or so extra pieces in case there is an issue with bugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should be able to tell by the tassels--brown but not all dried out, and the husks still feel fresh and moist. The cob, when felt through the husk, should feel full.
But I often part the husks a tiny bit. I don't worry about bugs or mold so much as watching for any sign of denting, which means the corn is no good to eat anymore, sugar has turned to starch.

Corn fungus that causes gigantic kernels (like elephantiasis of the corn!) is something I saw one year in my parents' sweet corn patch. I learned later it is considered a serious delicacy.

This - the bolded.

--corn country native.

[Anonymous]

Also, if you cook 8n the husk it all comes off so much more easily. You city slickers I guess never learned how to do it right!

[Anonymous]

OMG! IT,'S BACK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG! IT,'S BACK.

It sure is

and 8 years later, I'm STILL pulling back the husks before I purchase - and don't plan to stop.

[Anonymous]

For people who cook in the husks--what do you do about the corn silk down in the ear? Do you pull the husk back to remove that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For people who cook in the husks--what do you do about the corn silk down in the ear? Do you pull the husk back to remove that?

Yes. Microwave in husk for about 5min for two ears. Hold ear with cloth towel, husk, and rub briskly with cloth to remove the silk.

You need to thoroughly wash the ear of corn before and after cooking. It's a raw vegetable. It might have touched dirt.

[Anonymous]

I check because I know that I like corn with smaller kernels, which means more tender kernels that pop when you bite them off the ear. I hate late season corn that has huge tough kernels that just get stuck between my teeth. I can tell from peeling back an inch of it’s the kind of corn I like (ps: a thin ear is typically better than a big fat ear).

[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.

Trust me, the first time you get nasty ass corn back to your house will be the last time you preach from your high horse