[3759allen]

my first year of growing sweetcorn and i'm pretty impressed with the results. we tried some for dinner and taste blooming lovely. however it looks like there's a lot that are ready to harvest.

how long can you keep them on the plant before they spoil? and how long will they last after being harvested?

thanks for any advice.

[RaptorUK]

how long can you keep them on the plant before they spoil? and how long will they last after being harvested?

From what I have read,  I've never grown Sweetcorn, for the best taste cook them when they are ready, pick and cook . . . the sooner the better, preferably within minutes of picking.  After harvesting the sugars turn to starch . . . the longer you store it the worse it gets . .

[8doubles]

Pick the lot if they are ready and freeze them.

I husk and trim them and wrap in cooking cling film so you can just take them out of the freezer 10 mins in the microwave and they are done!

[sunshineband]

Pick the lot if they are ready and freeze them.

I husk and trim them and wrap in cooking cling film so you can just take them out of the freezer 10 mins in the microwave and they are done!

Like that idea --- I shall give it a go. Thanks 8doubles 

[GrannieAnnie]

Pick the lot if they are ready and freeze them.

I husk and trim them and wrap in cooking cling film so you can just take them out of the freezer 10 mins in the microwave and they are done!

That's what I do too!  Had loads last year, and have only just finished the last ones.  Frozen as soon as picked and they are still lovely after you defrost them!

[Comfreypatch]

Never thought of freezing them whole, usually cook, slice off kernels then freeze. I shall try that. Thanks for that .

[RJR_38]

I read that if you freeze them with the leaves on it gives the corn natural 'freezer burn protection' so that's what I do! When I want to eat I just take them out, remove the leaves (they come off fairly easily even while 'frozen' and put them straight into a pan of boiling water - delicious!

[Goosegirl]

Never thought about leaving the leaves on! Mind you, mine don't last long enough to get freezer-burn! 

[RJR_38]

It also saves on wrapping material! I normally stick them in a bag in 2s just to keep OH happy (he is quite particular) but from what I have read you can just stick them in as they are

[8doubles]

I believe that close fitting clingfilm is better preventing freezer burn (moisture loss  and oxidisation) than a porous leaf having tried both methods.

[RJR_38]

I believe that close fitting clingfilm is better preventing freezer burn (moisture loss  and oxidisation) than a porous leaf having tried both methods.

Fair enough! Although when you think about it there is actually 2/3 layers of leaves plus the silks... I only tried it last year and it worked so have done the same this year. I am big fan of no faff so I will keep doing it until I come across a reason not to. I also like the fact I am being a but more environmentally friendly by not using loads of cling film which always worries me