Fully ripe sweet corn has bright green, moist husks. The silk should be stiff, dark and moist. You should be able to feel individual kernels by pressing gently against the husk.

Ideally, corn should be cooked and eaten immediately after picking since its natural sugar declines as soon as it has been picked.

Between purchasing and cooking, keep the corn moist and cool. Pack in a cooler for the trip home from farm or market and immediately refrigerate in a plastic bag. Use within two or three days.