How Long Does Corn on the Cob Last? (And Does It Matter If It’s Cooked Vs. Uncooked?) (2024)

FAQs

How long is corn on the cob good for after cooked? ›

Similar to most cooked vegetables, cooked corn should be eaten within the next four to five days. To ensure that your cooked corn lasts as long as possible, store it in the refrigerator inside of an airtight bag (you can also wrap it tightly in saran wrap if you prefer).

According to FoodSafety.gov, corn on the cob should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 1 to 2 days of the date of purchase for optimal freshness. Don't worry if you can't consume your corn right away, though. It can be frozen, too — and it will keep for up to 8 months in the freezer.

It's best to use your corn the day you buy or harvest it. However, you can keep it fresh longer by storing it, unwashed and unpeeled, in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This'll keep it usable for about five to seven days.

Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels. You can steam for 8-10 minutes or less, or even use the microwave.

The same slimy texture and moldy smell that identify fresh corn as being bad can also be signs that your cooked corn has gone bad.

You always want to cook your corn on the cob immediately when you get it home because it is already in the process of converting its sugars into starches. But once it is cooked you can chill it and put it in the refrigerator and it is good for days, just pop in the microwave or boil a little bit to heat.

When this happens, the best thing to do is cook the ears in their husks over high heat to concentrate whatever natural sweetness they've still got left. You can do this one of two ways: grill over high heat for 2-4 minutes per side until husks are charred; or roast in a 500° oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once.

6 months old +:

Offer cooked corn on the cob cut into 2-inch (5 cm) rounds so baby could hold a piece in one hand. Avoid serving loose corn kernels as they are a choking hazard for babies. If desired, you can also shave most of the kernels off and serve just the cob, which further reduces choking risk.

The best part about freezing corn on the cob is that it will last about six to nine months in the freezer, so you won't have to be without fresh corn for long. You can label your storage bags with the date before freezing.

If the ears are shucked, place them into a plastic bag, such as a produce bag from the supermarket, and store them in your refrigerator. Either way, fresh corn should be eaten within a couple days. Otherwise, it becomes dried out and less sweet. If eating your corn that soon isn't possible, consider freezing it.

Does can corn go bad in the fridge? ›

Unopened canned corn can be stored in the pantry for 2-5 years from the date of purchase. After opening, store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Did you know? Canned corn is fully cooked, so it is safe to eat without further cooking.

Husks should feel moist, hug the ear, and be dark green (unless someone's already peeled away the outer husk). You don't want to buy those anyway. Silks should be tan or golden; any slimy dark brown or black silks are bad. Final fret check: Gently feel with your fingertips around the silked end.

Break cobs in half if desired. Once water is boiling, add corn and boil for 4-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover. Leave the corn in the hot water for 5 minutes longer or up to 30 minutes.

To store leftover cooked corn on the cob, wrap cobs in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored this way, cooked corn on the cob will last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

Juicy fresh corn on the cob gets an extra boost of sweetness when it's cooked in slightly sweetened water. You can use as much or as little sugar as you like. Try it several ways to figure out what level of sweetness you like best.

For best flavor, use corn within two days. If you don't plan on eating your corn within two days of purchase, you can freeze it.

Fresh corn is only good for one to three days, when stored properly. But you have a little more leeway with leftover corn on the cob, which is good in the fridge for about five days. You'll know it's past its prime when the kernels begin to shrink and lose their juiciness.

Simply refrigerate the cooled cooked corn in an airtight container for up to 5 days, then use one of our Test Kitchen's favorite methods below to bring each piece back to its butter-ready, warm, sweet glory.

The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. At room temperature, bacteria grows incredibly fast and can make you sick. Reheating something that has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours won't be safe from bacteria.