Can You Eat Raw Corn?
Here's how to get the most from your meals when you incorporate corn.
There is truly nothing like the sweet taste of corn. The versatile vegetable is delicious eating right off the cob, as well as enjoying it as a side dish and even—raw. Yes, you read that correctly.
Eating raw corn is safe and nutritious, confirms Chef Francine Marz, Dean of Culinary & Hospitality at Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry in South Carolina. "Yes, you can eat raw corn," says Marz. "It's actually quite good for you."
Meet The Experts
Chef Francine Marz is the Dean of Culinary & Hospitality at Culinary Institute of the South at Technical College of the Lowcountry in South Carolina.
David Tiner is the Director of Louisiana Culinary Institute
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Is It OK To Eat Corn Raw?
Yes, eating raw corn is a delicious (and nutritious) way to enjoy corn, but it's important to understand that not all corn should be consumed raw. The only type of corn you should eat raw is sweet corn. Sweet corn is typically very sweet, crunchy, and releases corn juice, or corn milk, when chewed.
"Make sure it is as fresh as possible and that it is thoroughly cleaned," Marz says of eating raw corn.
David Tiner, Director of Louisiana Culinary Institute, agrees, adding that when it comes to taste in corn, age matters. "Corn is perfectly safe to eat raw, but you will want to eat young, tender corn before the sugars turn to starch for the most enjoyable taste.
Marz advises staying away from field, or dent, corn which has an unpleasant taste.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How To Use Raw Corn
It's no secret that corn is one of the most versatile vegetables and can be used in many forms, cooked or raw. "I can remember picking sweet corn in my grandfather's garden, shucking a piece of corn, and just eating it right off the cobb. The corn was juicy and oh-so-sweet and was a great summer treat," says Tiner.
The Louisiana-based chef says that his favorite way to use raw corn is to slice it off the cob and mix it with black beans, jalapeño peppers, fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, lime, and a little avocado oil with salt and pepper to taste.
"Most raw corn is found in salads and relishes, but you can add some to a smoothie to give it a unique sweetness," notes Tiner.
Marz adds that raw corn is often used in salads, soups, salsas, dressings, or even as garnish for savory dishes. "It's sometimes even used in ice cream," she says.
Related: Cornbread Ice Cream
Benefits Of Eating Corn—Raw Or Prepared
Whether you're eating it straight off the cob or cutting it off to top a salad or use as a side, there is nutritional value in eating corn.
Fresh corn is packed with fiber, and lots of essential vitamins and minerals. Corn is rich in antioxidants, high in protein, and is gluten-free. "Corn is a starchy vegetable and is usually omitted in ketogenic diets," adds Marz. "But in moderation corn can still be part of a healthful diet."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cooked corn healthier than raw?
Raw corn preserves more of the corn's natural ingredients, making it slightly healthier than cooked corn.
What does uncooked corn taste like?
Raw corn is very sweet and the juice is almost milky-like without any hints of starchiness.
Can kids eat raw corn?
Yes, kids can eat raw corn, but be careful feeding it to toddlers and babies, as it can be a choking hazard.
Favorite Corn Recipes
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