Why are the tips of corn cobs cut off?

[Noah930]

Why are (sometimes) the tips of corn cobs cut off when I buy them from the market? Oftentimes, when I buy corn from my local city-slicker supermarket, the tips of the corn cobs are already trimmed (or detasseled):



However, when I went to a farm stand selling locally grown corn (usually picked the same day, I'm told), the corn cobs appear whole--tassels and all):



The local farm-stand corn is *much* better--much sweeter and softer. So from a consumer perspective, I'd much rather eat that, than the supermarket corn. But there must be a reason why the supermarket (or the farmers supplying the supermarket) do what they do. So why?

I tried Googling the reasons for cutting off the tips of the corn. Supposedly it avoids self-pollination of the plant, which is beneficial in the long run. But does it affect the flavor/quality of the corn? Or does the store-bought corn not taste as good because it has to be picked well in advance of its sale, due to transportation issues?

Just wondering all this as I was shucking tonight's dinner.

[Brian 162]

Either to keep the mess of shucking corn to a minimum or maybe the corn keeps longer in the market if shucked. I’m just guessing.
$1.25 per cob seems pricey. I pay .75 cents each from a farm 1/2 a mile from my house.

[masraum]

I think the tops of the cobs aren’t “pretty" which is a requirement in grocery stores.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by masraum

I think the tops of the cobs aren’t “pretty" which is a requirement in grocery stores.

That, plus the silks make a mess - for the supermarket. If you buy them with the tips and silks still on, after you husk the ear you can snap the tip off and pull it down toward the big end, dragging a lot of the silks off with it.

The “strings” on the cob are called “silks” BTW. The tassels are on the top of the corn stalk, they provide the pollen, the silks receive it.

The self-pollination theory is nonsense. The ear has been pollinated and the kernels formed long before the ends were cut off.

[Steve Carlton]

They're Kosher.

[stevej37]

I've never seen that done in the grocery stores around here.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by masraum

I think the tops of the cobs aren’t “pretty" which is a requirement in grocery stores.

I googled, and believe this is indeed the answer. Corn can suffer what's called tip back. Cutting off the ends makes the corn with this condition more presentable.

Tip back is when grain has not filled all the way to the tip of the ear. Tip back often looks like an empty cob sticking out the tip of the cob as well. Tip back can be seen in many different genetics from a diverse set of germplasm and is not specific to any certain hybrid or seed company.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

never seen that

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

never seen that

That corn BTW was from Hart Farm, down in Harwich or Dennis. I think they might actually grow the corn in Marion, or something like that. But if you're ever down on the Cape, that summer corn is like sugar.

[Steve Carlton]

I've seen dogs like that.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by masraum

I think the tops of the cobs aren’t “pretty" which is a requirement in grocery stores.

Thanks. That seems to be the PPOT consensus. I tried Googling it but found few answers, and the answers I found didn't seem entirely trustworthy.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Noah930

That corn BTW was from Hart Farm, down in Harwich or Dennis. I think they might actually grow the corn in Marion, or something like that. But if you're ever down on the Cape, that summer corn is like sugar.

I was down in Yarmouth but we didn't see any corn. Must be similar to NH corn, that is super sweet when same day fresh.

[craigster59]

Same happened to me when I was born.

I had no say in it, and it hurt so much I couldn't walk for a year.

[jyl]

Boil your corn cobs in water with milk added, if the corn needs extra sweetness.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by craigster59

Same happened to me when I was born.

I had no say in it, and it hurt so much I couldn't walk for a year.

Okay, that there is funny. And remember, now it's much more presentable and appealing

[OK-944]

Top end can also be a bit "wormy"....just sayin'!

[911 Rod]

Never seen this before.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by OK-944

Top end can also be a bit "wormy"....just sayin'!

Yep. I wasn't going to mention that, but I've seen it many times.

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by steve carlton

they're kosher.

ha!

[HobieMarty]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

They're Kosher.

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