How to Techniques for Removing Kernels From the Cob

Knives for Fresh Corn

• Remove the husk from the cob. Place the base of the cob on a cutting board with the tip vertical. Hold the tip with the fingers of your left hand. Cut the kernels from the cob by making downward slices with a knife in your right hand. Twist the cob to work all the way around it. An electric knife works great and speeds up the kernel removal process. Knives work best for cutting corn off the cob for freezing.

Specialty Tools for Fresh Corn

• Hold the cob upright and place the specialty cutting tool over the tip. Slide the tool down along the length of the cob. Watch as the cylindrical blade cuts the kernels from the cob. Push the tool all the way to the base of the cob to remove all kernels. These tools come in a variety of designs, but each serves the same purpose. If the cutting blade of the tool is shaped like a crescent, this tool only cuts a few rows of kernels at a time. Hold the cob at a 45-degree angle while using a tool such as this.

Hands for Dried Corn

• Hold the cob in your hands. Place your hands side by side on the cob. Twist your right hand clockwise and your left hand counterclockwise simultaneously. Twist them back and forth and the kernels will twist off the cob. This technique works well for removing small quantities. Too much of this and your hands will get sore. Completely dried corn cobs don't require much force to remove the kernels. You can also use a handheld sheller. Place it over the end of the cob and twist it back and forth to remove the kernels along the length of the cob.

Corn Sheller for Dried Corn

• Insert either end of the cob into the hole in the top of the device. Grab the hand crank and twist it clockwise. Watch as the sheller pulls the cob down through the teeth that remove the kernels from the cob. Both manual and electric corn shellers exist. These tools work great for shelling large quantities of corn for dry storage or animal feed. Keep hands out of the device to protect your fingers from injury.