Seasonal Produce: Corn

Golden ears of sweet corn are one of summer's true delights! Many supermarkets and farm stands begin offering just-picked, locally grown corn in July, just in time for July 4th recipes. The harvest often extends well into September in many areas around the country. Our Vegetables recipes features a section on corn, and we've got a grilling corn on the cob video as well as an article on how to grill corn on the cob. While simple steamed or boiled corn on the cob is the classic way to enjoy sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob are quite versatile. Toss them in salads, summer chowder and salsa, or sauté with fresh herbs for a quick side dish. Whatever way you enjoy it, get it while you can: Peak season is summertime.

Purchasing Corn

• In general, yellow corn has large, full-flavored kernels and white corn has small, sweeter-flavored kernels. Bicolor corn has both yellow and white kernels.
• Select ears of corn with soft, bright green husks that fit tightly against the kernels. The silk should be golden and moist like grass.
• Avoid the urge to tear back the husk and inspect the corn. This causes the kernels to lose moisture and freshness.
• The natural sugar in corn begins turning to starch the moment the ear is picked. For the sweetest corn, use it on the same day it is purchased. Otherwise, refrigerate ears with their husks and silk intact for no more than 1 day.

Preparing Corn

• To shuck corn, strip the husks and silk from the ear. Snap the husk and stem off the bottom. Remove any remaining silk strands with a vegetable brush. Cut away any blemished kernels and rinse under cold water.
• To cut kernels from the cob, break the ear in half. Working with one half at a time, hold it upright, flat end down. Use a sharp knife to cut straight down between the kernels and the cob. One ear yields about 1/2 cup kernels.
• Ears of corn can be boiled, steamed, grilled, microwaved or roasted.
• Cut kernels can be boiled, steamed, sautéed or microwaved.

Corn Nutrition

• Low fat
• Good source of fiber