Spotting sweet corn versus field corn
Most supermarket and farmer’s market corn is sweet corn, intended for eating fresh. Field corn (dent corn) is used for feed, flour, or industrial purposes and is not sold in the produce section as whole ears.
How to identify sweet corn by appearance and feel:
- Husks: Bright green, tightly wrapped with fresh-looking silk. Sweet corn husks are often moist and snappy.
- Kernels: Press a fingernail into a kernel at the tip—sweet corn releases a juicy milky liquid when ripe. Field corn kernels are starchy and dry.
- Size and shape: Sweet corn kernels are plump and uniform; field corn kernels are harder and may appear dented when mature.
- Smell and seasonality: Fresh sweet corn has a sweet smell; sold fresh during local summer seasons.
Buying tips:
- Ask the vendor if unsure—farmer’s market sellers typically label varieties.
- Look for ears without browning silk or mottled kernels.
If you accidentally end up with field corn, it’s unsuitable for eating off the cob but can be processed for other uses. For immediate eating, choose ears that feel heavy for size with moist silk and a sweet aroma.