Fresh corn purchased directly from farmers tastes incredibly delicious, but removing the husk and silk can be challenging. Below are some tips to husk corn quickly and effortlessly.
Steps
Place a trash bin nearby to collect the husks.

Gently hold the middle part of the corn cob.

Firmly grasp the top part of the corn husk, where the brown silk strands resembling hair protrude outward.

Strip the husk forcefully from the top down to the base of the corn. Dispose of the husk in the trash bin or on a mat.

Trim off the tip of the corn that lacks kernels. Alternatively, you can cut the corn into smaller sections as desired. You can also snap off the top part by hand while husking.

Use cool running water to rinse off any remaining silk strands.
Place all the husked corn into a basket.
Tips
- If you plan to grill corn, leave a thin layer of husk that allows you to see the kernels inside. This layer will prevent the corn from absorbing too much smoke during grilling. To avoid blackened kernels, leave a few layers of husk intact.
- If you have a sharp knife, you can cut across the base of the cob, grab the top, and pull the husk upward to remove it.
- Cook the corn as soon as possible after husking for the best flavor. Freshly husked corn tastes sweeter, while delayed cooking can make the kernels tough.
Warnings
- While husking, you might encounter corn infested with worms, weevils, or other pests. Although they may look unpleasant, you don’t need to discard the entire cob—simply cut away the affected parts.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
- Fresh corn
- Trash bin or mat
- Sharp knife