Yes, you can eat a corn cob, but it depends on the corn's maturity and your preferences.
Edibility of Corn Cobs
The corn cob itself is primarily composed of cellulose fiber. While technically digestible and non-toxic, the outer layer is rough and generally unappetizing in its raw form. The inner, "foamy" part, while digestible, has a bland taste and unusual texture that many find unappealing, similar to foam plastic. Wikipedia states this clearly.
However, the edibility of the cob significantly changes depending on the corn's age. Younger corn, such as baby corn, has a tender cob that is more palatable. Reddit mentions that the cobs of small stir-fry corn are tender enough to eat. Conversely, mature corn cobs are much tougher and less desirable to consume. Quora confirms this, indicating that while edible, mature corn cobs are less appealing than those from baby corn.
Nutritional Value
It's important to note that corn cobs offer minimal nutritional value. They mostly consist of fiber, with little to no significant vitamins or minerals. Reddit highlights that consuming the cob provides almost no nutritional benefit.
Preparing Corn Cobs for Consumption
While the raw cob isn't palatable for most, some culinary techniques might improve its texture and taste. However, this is not widely practiced, and the overall culinary value remains low.
In Summary
While the corn cob is not inherently toxic and can be eaten, the texture and lack of flavor make it generally unappealing, except in the case of very young corn. The nutritional benefits are also negligible.
