For best flavor, corn should be eaten the same day it's picked.  And it should be picked in the early morning while the dew is still on it.  So it's always good to ask the person you're buying from when the corn was picked.

I don't usually worry about how big the ear is or how many kernels are on the ear.  I assume you meant to say 35 kernels high, rather than 35 corns high?  Freshness is key.  Color doesn't matter much either, except that you want to generally avoid ears that have too deep a gold or orange-ish color, as that can indicate an ear that is over-ripe...unless the specific variety that you're buying is supposed to be that color.  Another clue that the corn is a little too old is that the kernels will be starting to show some dents.

White corn, yellow corn, a mix of white and yellow kernels, are all just different varieties.  But each color could taste equally good.

Did you find either of the ears that you tried sweeter than the other?  I tend to like the super-sweet strains.

A tip:  Don't overcook corn.  Bring the water to a rolling boil.  Drop in the ears and let the water come back to a boil.  Remove corn from boiling water and eat!  You can wait a minute or so with the corn at a boil if you'd like, but more than that is unnecessary.  After boiling it is a really good time to tell if the corn is old...again, the kernels will have an orange hue and the taste will be starchy.

Hollie
(Daughter of a Corn and Soybean Farmer)

Oh, you think corn on the cob is a delicious summer treat, do you? Try being the one who goes out to the corn field in 100 degree heat and spends the next 12 hours, at, oh I don't know, 10 cents an hour, and detassles it, in the heat, and the bugs, while one's junior high friends all get to be lifeguards or 'babysit' all day, i.e. watch TV in air conditioning.

I grew up in Nebraska.  I know these things.

I would love to see more "Duluth veggie analysis" at PDD!

Perhaps the parking lot corn had less crunch because it was already partially steamed in the heat of the not quite perfect duluth day... Love the analysis!

Why are you boiling fresh corn? 
Leave the husks on, soak in water for 30 minutes and then place over indirect heat on grill for 10-15 minutes. Once you steam corn on the grill you never eat it any other way. Hot, soft and delicious.

I think farm labor is exempt from child labor laws.

Ho ho ho carty

I was lucky enough to grow up on the gritty urban streets of Nebraska (Omaha) so I never detassled, but it was legendary work. I felt fortunate to be mowing lawns in the heat instead.

Yeah, I get to visit that exact area once or twice a year, my parents and sister are just outside of Bennington now. It's amazing what's built up there so fast.