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How Long Can Corn on the Cob Sit Out

How Long Can Corn on the Cob Sit Out?

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Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck

If you’re wondering how long corn on the cob can sit out, the answer is not very long. Corn on the cob should be eaten within two hours of being cooked. After that, it starts to lose its flavor and begins to spoil. So if you’re planning on serving corn on the cob at your next party, make sure to cook it just before your guests arrive.

How Long Does Raw Corn on the Cob Last?

If you’re not planning on eating your corn on the cob right away, you can store it in the refrigerator. Raw corn on the cob will last in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

You can also freeze raw corn on the cob. Wrapped tightly, it will last in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the corn in the fridge overnight and then cook it as you would normally.

How Long Does Cooked Corn on the Cob Last?

Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to five days. Simply store it in an airtight container and consume within that time frame. If you want to keep your corn on the cob fresh for longer, you can also freeze it. Cooked corn on the cob will last in the freezer for up to six months.

If you’re not sure how long your corn on the cob has been sitting out, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Leaving corn on the cob out for more than two hours significantly increases the risk of food poisoning.

How Long Does Corn On The Cob Last Unshucked?

Unshucked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep your corn on the cob fresh for longer, you can also freeze it. Unshucked corn on the cob will last in the freezer for up to six months.

How Do You Store Fresh Corn on the Cob?

vacuum-packed fresh natural corn on a wooden table

Here are some tips for how to store fresh corn on the cob:

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  • If you plan to eat the corn within a day or two, store it in the fridge. Place the corn in a plastic bag and remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it shut.
  • If you want to keep your corn on the cob fresh for longer, you can store it in the freezer. Wrap each ear of corn individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it shut.
  • If you plan to eat the corn within a week, you can store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar.
  • If you plan to eat the corn within two weeks, you can store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar and place it in a perforated plastic bag. This will help the corn stay fresh for longer.
  • If you want to keep your corn on the cob fresh for longer than two weeks, you can store it in the fridge or freezer.

What Happens If Corn On The Cob Sits Out Too Long?

Leaving corn on the cob out for more than two hours significantly increases the risk of food poisoning. This is because corn is a high-risk food for bacterial growth. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus [1] can grow quickly on cooked corn that has been left out at room temperature.

These bacteria can cause food poisoning, and symptoms usually start within one to six hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

How to Tell if Corn Has Gone Bad?

Here are some signs that your corn on the cob has gone bad:

  • The corn is discolored or has brown spots.
  • The corn smells sour or unpleasant.
  • The corn tastes sour or unpleasant.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the corn away.

How To Remove Corn From Cob And Freeze?

Here’s how to remove corn from the cob and freeze it:

  1. Cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. Spread the kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer.
  3. Once frozen, transfer the kernels to a freezer-safe bag or container.
  4. Remove as much air from the bag or container as possible before sealing it shut.
  5. Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
  6. Store in the freezer for up to six months.

Is It Better to Store Corn With the Husk on or Off?

It’s better to store corn with the husk on. The husk helps protect the kernels from drying out and provides a barrier against pests.

Conclusion

You can store corn on the cob in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months. If you’re not sure how long your corn on the cob has been sitting out, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Leaving corn on the cob out for more than two hours significantly increases the risk of food poisoning.

Reference:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535172/
Lauren Beck
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