Question
How do you tell when it is ripe?  Also any good ideas for freezing it on the cob?

Thanks,
Holly

Answer
Hello Holly,
Basically knowing your area and the approximate time to expect the ripening is a good place to start.  The corn in the southern plains, which is where we are, ripens about the 2nd week of July.  So, I start watching the end of June.  When the stalk gets less green and a tinge of yellow to the color, and the silk turns from soft yellow to a golden brown color, I find the biggest ear and gently peel back the husk.  If I am looking at what I visualize as corn on the cob, it's ready.  If the kernels are still a bit rounded and close to the cob, it's  early.  If the kernels are starting to "dimple" it's ready and may be past ready.  I prepare all my frozen corn the same way and have delicious results.  I bring a large kettle of water to a boil, then add the ears of corn, to boil for 7-10 minutes.  Remove the corn from the water, let cool, enough to handle, then either cut it off the cob or simply place the desired number of cobs in a freezer bag and freeze.  I usually cut the cobs in half because most of my "corn on the cob" connoisseurs are children.  It is a real space issue, though, as corn removed from the cob takes much less freezer space and I use the cobs to make jelly.  It's always a favorite.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us