Two Ways Corn Cobs Can Add Extra Flavor to Your Food

published Jul 2, 2014
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(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

After you’ve cut all the kernels off corn on the cob, you probably think that the cobs have done their duty and have nothing more to give. Think again! Here are two easy ways that corn cobs can add extra flavor to your food.

Milk the Cobs

You’re probably wondering what milk has anything to do with corn cobs. Milking the cobs refers to the process of removing the milky liquid (corn milk) that’s still clinging to the cobs. This milk is starchy, sweet, and will add extra flavor to corn soups and creamed corn and help thicken them.

To milk corn cobs, first shuck and remove all the kernels from the cobs. Then, using the back of a knife, scrape along the cobs to extract the milk.

Make Corn Stock

After you’ve milked the cobs, toss them into your next vegetable stock to add some sweetness, or just simmer with the other ingredients in your corn soup to bump up the corn flavor.

Now that you’ve learned how to get every ounce of flavor out of sweet summer corn, it’s time get shucking!