National Corn on the Cob Day

National Corn on the Cob Day timeline

10,000 years ago

First Domesticated

Farmers begin domesticating corn in what is now present-day Mexico.

4000 B.C.

Evolution of Corn

Owing to new sowing techniques, kernels of corn become an inch long.

1930s

Discovery

George Beadle discovers that teosinte and modern corn’s chromosomes are compatible.

1950s

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is developed by Professor John Laughnan of the University of Illinois.

National Corn on the Cob Day FAQs

When is National Corn on the Cob Day?

National Corn on the Cob Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 11, making it a perfect mid-week treat to kick off early summer festivities.

How much corn is produced in the U.S. annually?

The United States is the world’s largest producer of corn, with annual production often exceeding 14 billion bushels. While much of this is field corn for livestock feed and ethanol, sweet corn for human consumption remains a significant crop.

What are the most common ways to cook corn on the cob?

The most popular methods for cooking corn on the cob include boiling, grilling, and steaming. Boiling quickly tenderizes the kernels, grilling adds a smoky char, and steaming retains moisture and sweetness.

What's the difference between sweet corn and field corn?

Sweet corn is harvested when immature, during its ‘milk stage,’ resulting in tender, sugary kernels. Field corn, or dent corn, is left to mature and dry on the stalk, becoming starchy and primarily used for animal feed, ethanol, and industrial products.

National Corn on the Cob Day Activities

Go to a parade

Yep, there's a parade. It's in Plainview, Minnesota, which might be a bit far for some, but if you really love corn, you'll make the trip. Trust us, it's worth it. There are street dancers, a talent show, and a soap box derby. Have you ever seen a soap box derby in real life? It's a real treat that only gets better with a side of corn...but only if you're not driving.

Share your pics on social media

If you're lucky enough to attend the parade in Minnesota, upload some videos. There's a lot of corn lovers out there who'd really appreciate it. And don't forget to tag everything with #NationalCornOnTheCobDay.

Brush up on corn trivia

Hold a trivia night centered on facts about corn. It has a fascinating history and some of its uses will surprise you (in a good way). You'll also have the chance to decide the argument over how to eat corn on the cob correctly. Many people say as long as you hold both ends you're good to go, but you know better. According to etiquette experts, you should butter a few rows at a time, and then eat moving side to side like a typewriter. (Or a keyboard if you're under 80.)

Why We Love National Corn on the Cob Day

A reason for each season(ing)

Nothing wrong with salt and butter, but something with more pizzazz, like say, miso butter, could offer an interesting twist. If you’re in the mood for a bite that packs a kick, look no further than Jamaican jerk curry mayo and coconut. And for those who love everything crispy, there's batter-fried corn. When has deep-frying ever let anyone down?

It’s incredibly versatile

When it's not on the cob, we mainly think of corn as snack to eat at the movies. But it's also a key ingredient in medicines and substances we use everyday. For example, antibiotics, hand soap, ethanol, and even fireworks owe a lot to those little yellow kernels. So the next time you watch fireworks on Independence Day , show your solidarity by munching down a piece of corn. You could say it's your patriotic duty.

It's the perfect excuse for a cookout

It's not summer if you don't throw some corn on the grill. And where there's a grill, there's a BBQ. After getting through the winter, there's nothing sweeter than chilling (in the warm sense) outside. Sweet corn is just the icing on the cake — not literally, but with the right recipe it could be. A silly example, we know, but a cookout's all about shooting the breeze and having a good laugh, and corn is a great excuse for a party.