All About Corn
Your complete guide to corn - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Corn Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for corn in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Canned Corn (opened, in fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or off-smell. Slimy texture. Cloudy or thickened liquid. Visible mold growth.
How to Check
Smell for any unusual or unpleasant odors. Look for visible mold or changes in the liquid's clarity or consistency. Feel the kernels; they should not be slimy.
Storage Tips
Transfer any unused canned corn to an airtight, non-metallic container (glass or plastic) before refrigerating. This prevents the corn from absorbing a metallic taste and helps maintain freshness.
Frozen Corn (commercial or homemade, in freezer)8-12 months (for best quality); indefinitely safe if kept at 0°F (-18°C), but quality degrades over time
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive ice crystals (beyond light frost), freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots). When thawed, it may have an off-smell or mushy/tough texture after cooking.
How to Check
Look for bright yellow kernels without excessive ice buildup or white/gray patches of freezer burn. Thawed corn should smell fresh. If it's discolored or smells stale/off when thawed, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. For homemade frozen corn, ensure it's blanched before freezing to preserve color, flavor, and texture.
Fresh Corn (unhusked, raw in fridge)1-3 days (peak freshness), up to 5-7 days (still usable but losing sweetness)
Signs of Spoilage
Husks are dry, yellowed, or brown. Silk is dry and brittle. Kernels are shriveled, dented, or feel soft/mushy. Milky liquid is absent or cloudy. Visible mold. Sour or fermenting smell.
How to Check
Look for bright green, pliable husks and damp, golden-brown silk. Kernels should be plump and shiny. Press a kernel to check for a milky pop. Smell for a sweet, earthy aroma; avoid any sour or off-putting smells.
Storage Tips
Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Keep the husks on and place in a loose plastic bag (or produce bag) to retain moisture. For best flavor and sweetness, cook and eat as soon as possible after purchase, as sugars rapidly convert to starch.
Fresh Corn (husked, raw in fridge)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Kernels appear dry, shriveled, or dull. They may feel excessively soft or starchy. Visible mold. Sour or off-smell.
How to Check
Look for plump, bright yellow kernels. Avoid any that are discolored, dry, or shriveled. Feel the kernels; they should be firm. Smell for a fresh, sweet corn scent; any sourness or unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Wrap husked cobs tightly in plastic wrap or place kernels in an airtight container to minimize moisture loss and preserve freshness.
Cooked Corn (in fridge)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture. Dull or darkened color, or visible dark spots. Sour, musty, or yeasty smell. Visible mold growth.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any discoloration or mold. Touch the corn; it should not feel slimy. Smell for any off-odors; it should still smell like fresh cooked corn.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container. Cool cooked corn rapidly (within 2 hours of cooking) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Canned Corn (unopened, in pantry)1-2 years beyond 'best by' date (for optimal quality); indefinitely safe if can is intact and stored properly
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging, leaking, or rusted can. Dents along the seams. Foul odor upon opening (e.g., metallic, sour, or putrid smell).
How to Check
Visually inspect the can for any damage, swelling, or leaks. A bulging can is a serious warning sign and should be discarded immediately without opening. Upon opening, smell for any off-odors. Do NOT taste if any spoilage signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Discard any can that shows signs of damage or spoilage, as it could indicate a risk of botulism.