How to tell if a corn is ripe

The clearest sign that sweet corn is ready is that the silks at the ear tip are brown and dry.

• The silks at the ear tip are brown and dry.
• The silks have turned very dark brown to black.
• The kernels are in the milk stage, meaning the endosperm inside is still liquid and the kernel skin is still tender.
• When a kernel is punctured with a thumbnail, it releases a milky juice.
• The ear is completely filled to the tip.