Think you know your sweet corn? It’s time to put your knowledge to the test!

We’ve put together 20 fun trivia questions about sweet corn, farming, and one of summer’s favorite vegetables. See how many you can answer before checking the answer key at the end.

Sweet Corn Trivia

  1. What happens if a strand of silk isn’t pollinated?
  • A. The kernel won’t develop.
  • B. The ear turns green.
  • C. The stalk stops growing.
  1. True or False: Every kernel on an ear of corn can grow into a new corn plant.
  2. An average ear of sweet corn contains about how many kernels?
  • A. 400
  • B. 800
  • C. 1,500
  1. Why should sweet corn be refrigerated soon after it’s picked?
  • A. To keep bugs away
  • B. To help preserve its natural sweetness
  • C. To make it easier to shuck
  1. Approximately how tall can sweet corn plants grow?
  • A. 2 feet
  • B. 5–8 feet
  • C. 15 feet
  1. True or False: Every strand of corn silk is connected to a kernel.
  2. Which state is known as the “Corn State”?
  • A. Iowa
  • B. Illinois
  • C. Indiana
  1. What part of the corn plant grows into the kernels?
  • A. The leaves
  • B. The tassel
  • C. The ear
  1. Sweet corn is best eaten:
  • A. As fresh as possible after picking
  • B. The next day
  • C. After sitting on the counter for several days
  1. True or False: Corn is naturally gluten-free.
  2. What pollinates corn?
  • A. Bees
  • B. Wind
  • C. Butterflies
  1. Approximately how many kernels are on an average ear of corn?
  • A. About 200
  • B. About 800
  • C. About 2,000
  1. Corn plants usually produce how many ears?
  • A. One or two
  • B. Five or six
  • C. Ten or more
  1. What color can sweet corn be?
  • A. Yellow
  • B. White
  • C. Bi-color
  • D. All of the above
  1. True or False: Corn silk helps the ear develop.
  2. Which cooking method is NOT popular for sweet corn?
  • A. Boiling
  • B. Grilling
  • C. Deep frying the whole ear
  1. What should you do with fresh sweet corn after buying it?
  • A. Refrigerate it
  • B. Leave it in the sun
  • C. Store it in a warm room
  1. How long does it typically take sweet corn to mature after planting?
  • A. About 30 days
  • B. About 60–90 days
  • C. About 180 days
  1. Which of these is NOT part of an ear of corn?
  • A. Kernels
  • B. Silk
  • C. Roots
  1. True or False: Corn has been grown in the Americas for thousands of years.

🌽 Answer Key

  1. A. The kernel won’t develop.
  2. True
  3. B. About 800
  4. B. To help preserve its natural sweetness
  5. B. 5–8 feet
  6. True
  7. A. Iowa (But we think Indiana sweet corn is best!)
  8. C. The ear
  9. A. As fresh as possible after picking
  10. True
  11. B. Wind
  12. B. About 800
  13. A. One or two
  14. D. All of the above
  15. True
  16. C. Deep frying the whole ear
  17. A. Refrigerate it
  18. B. About 60–90 days
  19. C. Roots
  20. True

🌽 How did you score?

  • 18–20 correct: 🌽 Sweet Corn Superstar! You know your corn inside and out.
  • 14–17 correct: 🧈 Corn Connoisseur! You definitely know your way around an ear of sweet corn.
  • 10–13 correct: 🌽 Growing Strong! You’re on your way to becoming a corn expert.
  • 0–9 correct: 🌽 Time to visit the farmers market! There’s always something new to learn about sweet corn.

Did you stump your family or friends? Share your score with us the next time you stop by one of our farmers market booths—we’d love to hear how you did!