How To Wash Corn To Remove Dirt and Pesticides, According to an Expert

Who doesn't love corn on the cob? When you see stacks of ears at the farmer's market or in the grocery store, you know it's truly summertime.

But corn can seem tricky to clean. First, you need to peel off the husks and then remove all the silk. But then, how do you wash it? Is rinsing the corn under running water enough? Do you need to soak it or scrub it?

It takes a few minutes, but the cleaning process is pretty simple, says registered dietitian Lena Beal, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How To Clean Corn on the Cob 

The first step is peeling off the outer green husk and the inner strands of silk from the corn. Toss the husk and silk or put them in the compost pile. If the top end of the ear looks dry or damaged, cut that part off before washing and preparing.

Then turn on the tap. "Hold the corn cob under cold running water," Beal says. "Use your hands or a soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the kernels to remove visible dirt and silk remnants."

After the rinse, Beal suggests filling a large bowl or a clean sink with enough water to submerge the corn. Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda for each gallon of water. Soak the corn for 5 to 10 minutes to help remove any remaining residue.

After the baking soda soak, rinse the corn again under cold running water to remove any remaining baking soda and other debris.

When To Wash Corn on the Cob 

Although it's tempting to shuck and clean your corn as soon as you get it, it's a better idea to wait to wash it until just before you plan to use it.

"Corn on the cob tastes best if you use it the same day that you purchase it," says Don Schaffner, PhD, professor at Rutgers University and member of the Institute of Food Technologists' Food Microbiology Division. 

"It should be shucked immediately prior to cooking, for best quality." Corn is in season from May through September, depending on your location in the U.S., so this is the optimal time to buy it for the best results.

When selecting corn, look for ears that are firm and plump, with no visible damage. Don't peel the husks to take a look. That makes it lose moisture and sweetness, and the freshness deteriorates. Instead, wait until right before you're going to eat it. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. But it's best to get your corn—then wash and cook it—right before you eat it.

Fresh corn is one of summer's most versatile ingredients—toss the kernels into a corn salad or char the whole cob on the grill. However you choose to cook it, fresh corn is your golden ticket to easy meals all season long.