Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob.

Read on to learn how to boil sweet corn to perfection.

Plus, find out how long to boil corn so it remains tender and juicy.

boiled corn on the cob on a platter with salt and pepper

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Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the corn.

If they are slightly damp, all the bettera little moisture signifies freshness.

Avoid any husks that have holes, which indicate that insects have taken some bites.

fresh ears of corn

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And if you see any brown spots, the ear has likely lost its freshness, so find another.

The ear should feel heavy for its size in your hand.

How To Prep Corn

Shuck it, shuck it good!

a person with white hands holds corn on the cob in one hand and a produce brush in another

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Yep, that’s the mantra you should be humming while prepping your corn for boiling.

This method yields juicy, ready-to-eat sweet corn in a matter of minutes.

How Long Does It Take To Boil Corn on the Cob?

holding corn on the cob with tongs

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Boil corn for no more than 5 minutes.

It also depends on how fresh the corn is, as fresher corn usually cooks faster.

Wait 10 minutes, and it should be perfect.

corn cobs wrapped in aluminum foil

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Both methods yield delicious results, so it may just come down to how quickly you want to eat.

Leaving them in the pot for too long will cause them to turn tough or soggy.

Fresh, sweet corn on the cob is already near-perfect, straight from Mother Nature.

a pot of water boils with corn on the cob nearby

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How Much Corn Is on an Ear of Corn?

Season the boiling water with salt.

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Boil corn:

Gently drop ears of corn into boiling water one at a time.

corn ears in a boiling pot of water

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Boil corn on the cob for 3-5 minutes or until tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start corn on the cob in boiling water.

Carefully drop each cob in the boiling water with tongs.

Corn on the cob is boiled in as little as 3 or 4 minutes.

Yes, you’re free to over boil corn on the cob.

If it cooks too long, the kernels will take on water and turn mushy.

Set a time for 3 to 5 minutes so you don’t accidentally overcook the corn.