During the height of corn season, which goes from mid-summer to early fall in most areas where corn is grown, we can’t get enough of it. Sweet corn is perfect when very simply cooked — steamed or boiled for a short amount of time just to transform the kernels into their best crisp-tender little nuggets. And while you can eat it right off the cob with a little bit of melted butter and a sprinkle of salt, you also might think about using the kernels in all kinds of different ways. Getting the kernels off the cob quickly and cleanly is easy.

Removing the kernels of fresh sweet corn off the cob is easy and quick with this little trick, and it keeps your kitchen clean.

How to Cut Sweet Corn Off the Cob

Here is the cleanest and easiest way to remove the corn kernels from the cobs. This method works with both raw and cooked corn on the cob:

1. Place a large bowl on the counter.
2. Place a very small bowl upside down in the center of a larger bowl.
3. Put a folded, damp paper towel on top of the bottom of the upturned little bowl.
4. Place a corn cob one end down on the damp paper towel.
5. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cleanly slice down the cob, cutting off the kernels. The kernels will stay in the larger bowl. 
6. When finished, remove the little bowl and paper towel and use the kernels as desired.

What to Do With Sweet Corn Kernels

Corn kernels can become a Grilled Corn Salad, or you can add them to other bowls like this Grilled Shrimp Salad or Grilled Chicken Salad. Add cooked corn kernels to potato salads, pasta salads, green salads, and so on. For a great summer appetizer, add them to Zucchini Corn Fritters or to Creamy Sweet Corn Soup.

Freezing Fresh Corn Kernels

You can freeze cooked or uncooked corn kernels in the same way. Simply remove them from the cob according to the directions above, then place them in a freezer-proof zipper-top bag. Press out any excess air, and seal the bag, rolling it up as you go to press out extra air. Label the bag with the contents and the date, freeze and use within 6 to 8 months.

To defrost corn kernels, you can leave the bag at room temp for an hour or two or thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight. This works the same for cooked and uncooked corn kernels.

Then use the corn as directed in a recipe.

More Corn Recipes

• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Mexican Street Corn
• Summer Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
• Creamy Corn and Potato Salad with Bacon
• Sautéed Corn and Zucchini in Lemon Brown Butter