How to Tell When Sweet Corn Is Perfectly Ripe

Knowing exactly when to pick sweet corn can be tricky. Unlike blueberries that turn a deep blue when ready, corn doesn't offer such an obvious visual cue. If you leave ears on the stalk too long, the kernels become starchy, bland, and gummy—often within just a week or two of peak ripeness.

The most reliable test is the "thumbnail method." Peel back the husk slightly and press your fingernail into a kernel. If it releases a milky, opaque liquid and the kernels feel plump and full, the corn is at its sweetest. If the liquid is clear and watery, it's too early; if no liquid appears and the kernels are dented, it's past prime.

For a quick reference on harvesting other vegetables, horticulturists Willie Chance and Darbie Granberry have compiled an excellent factsheet covering everything from Irish potatoes to watermelons.

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