Corn on the cob keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 8 months frozen
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 1-2 days
Keep corn on the cob in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, counted from the day you bought it.
Watch out Throw away corn that looks rotten.
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Freezer
Keeps for 8 months
Blanch or partially cook the corn in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, then freeze it.
Corn on the cob lasts 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 8 months in the freezer, counted from the day you bought it. Keep it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. To freeze it, blanch it first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking before freezing. Throw away corn that looks rotten.
Buying corn on the cob this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Corn on the cob lasts 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator and 8 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Both times count from the day you bought it.
That’s a short fridge window, so plan on the day you buy the corn to eat it soon or freeze it.
How long does corn on the cob last?
Corn on the cob lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 8 months in the freezer. Use it within the fridge window, or freeze it.
| Place | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 1 to 2 days |
| Freezer | 8 months |
How to store corn on the cob
Store corn on the cob in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA advises that temperature for perishable fresh produce.
When you shop, choose ears that aren’t bruised or damaged. If you buy corn that’s pre-cut, bagged, or packaged, pick only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice, and refrigerate it after you buy it.
How long does corn on the cob last in the fridge?
Corn on the cob lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge, counted from the day you bought it. If you won’t eat it by then, freeze it.
Can you freeze corn on the cob?
Yes, corn on the cob keeps 8 months in the freezer, according to FoodKeeper. Blanch it first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration.
You can read the full advice in the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety.
How to freeze fresh corn on the cob
Blanch fresh corn on the cob before you freeze it, and chill it rapidly after blanching.
- Wash the corn under plain running water.
- Blanch or partially cook it in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill it rapidly.
- Put it in the freezer.
How to blanch corn for freezing
To blanch corn, cook it partway in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill it rapidly before freezing.
This brief, partial cooking is what the USDA recommends for most vegetables that freeze well. It prevents deterioration.
How to tell if corn on the cob is bad
Throw away corn on the cob that looks rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce.
If only part of an ear is bruised or damaged, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash corn on the cob
Rinse corn on the cob under plain running water before you peel it, and rub it gently. The FDA says there’s no need for soap or a produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them, as the FDA explains in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Does corn on the cob need to be refrigerated?
FoodKeeper lists the refrigerator and the freezer for corn on the cob, so keep it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. It lasts 1 to 2 days there.
Do you have to blanch corn before freezing it?
The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration. That cooking is called blanching.
Can you blanch corn in the microwave?
Yes. The USDA says you can blanch or partially cook vegetables in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
Should you wash corn before peeling it?
Yes. Rinse it under plain running water before you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren't carried from the surface. You don't need soap or a produce wash.
Can you eat corn on the cob with a bruised spot?
Yes, after you cut the bruised or damaged area away. Throw the corn away if it looks rotten.
