No, you do not eat the cob on corn ribs.
The cob serves as a handle and a structural element, similar to the bone in a pork rib. The corn kernels are the edible part, and you bite them off the cob, leaving the cob behind. Think of it like eating a regular ear of corn, but with a fun, rib-like presentation. Several sources explicitly state that the cob is not eaten.[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] While some people may scrape off every last kernel, the cob itself is too tough to consume.[7, 8] The experience of eating corn ribs focuses on the enjoyment of the seasoned kernels, not the cob.[9]
Why the Cob Isn't Eaten:
- Tough Texture: The cob is too hard and fibrous to be palatable.
- Purpose: Its primary function is to hold the kernels together, similar to a bone in a meat rib.
- Flavor: While the cob may absorb some seasoning, its inherent flavor isn't considered desirable for consumption.
How to Eat Corn Ribs:
- Hold the "corn rib" like a regular rib.
- Bite off the kernels one by one.
- Discard the cob once all kernels have been eaten.
References:
- Sporked: https://sporked.com/article/what-are-corn-ribs/
- RecipeTin Eats: https://www.recipetineats.com/corn-ribs/
- PlantBasedFolk: https://plantbasedfolk.com/air-fryer-corn/
- It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken: https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/the-best-corn-ribs-recipe/
- Yuzu Bakes: https://www.yuzubakes.com/recipes/corn-ribs
- Reddit r/food: https://www.reddit.com/r/food/comments/1cfc5p5/i_ate_corn_ribs/
- Reddit r/traderjoes: https://www.reddit.com/r/traderjoes/comments/zn5jy3/the_corn_ribs_the_experience_is_the_thing/
- Allrecipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/corn-ribs-recipe-7749988
- Today: https://www.today.com/food/what-are-corn-ribs-we-tried-tiktok-food-trend-today-t208376
