off the COB
Get the most out of your corn cob by following a few easy corn kernel removal tips. Start with fresh
corn. The freshest corn is the easiest to work with. Corn straight from the farmstand will still be full of delicious corn juice — and those tender kernels will slide easily from the cob.
Prep the cob. Removing the leafy husk and corn silk is an obvious first step, but don’t stop there.
Cut the corn cobs in half so you are left with two pieces that each have a flat surface. Place the flat, cut side on your work surface so the slender portion of the cob is facing straight up. The flat surface will make it easier to control any unwanted sliding of the cob while cutting. Keep your hand steady and your knife sharp. Use a steady hand, starting from the top of the cob. Slice down in one stroke. Avoid a sawing motion.
A sharp knife is essential in the kernel removal process. A chef’s knife works well, but if you are more comfortable using a smaller knife, a sharp paring knife also will do the job.
Cut close to the cob, rotating it as you go. However, cutting too close to the cob will result in tough bits of kernel.
Keep the juice and cobs. Depending on the recipe you are preparing, the sweet juice that comes off the cob when removing the kernels can add extra corn flavor. Place the cut corn on a baking sheet pan to catch that delicious corn-flavored juice to add to stock or cornbread batter.
Another trick is placing the whole husked corn in the hole of a bundt or tube pan. In this case, don’t cut the corn in half.
Rather, place the smaller end of the corn in the tube pan hole. Use your sharp knife to cut top down on the cob to remove the kernels. The tender corn will fall right into the pan, making kernel round-up easy. No more kernels flying on to your kitchen floor.
Need a visual? Check out a bundt pan corn removal video online to see how this unusual technique works.
Don’t throw out those leftover corn cobs. Add them to vegetable stock or use them alone to make corn stock. No time to make stock today? Place some cobs in a freezer bag and store them away for later use.