How does corn feel about being served for dinner? It feels ear-resistible!
Corn is one of the most beloved and versatile vegetables around. Its golden kernels are packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Corn is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins like folate and thiamine. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, supporting immune function, and promoting energy production. Additionally, the fiber in corn can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
Fresh corn can often be purchased with the husk still on. What is the husk? Well, the husk is the leafy outer layer that protects the corn while it grows. Once you pull back the husk, you will find some silky, shiny, thread-like fibers known as silk.
When purchasing fresh corn, look for husks that are tight, green, and not dry, with brown and somewhat moist silk. Corn offers the best flavor when eaten shortly after picking, you can often find fresh picked corn at farm stands and farmers' markets. Refrigerate fresh corn in the husk when possible; although it’s best eaten soon after picking, newer varieties retain their flavor and texture for up to a week or longer. Freezing corn on the cob or as cut kernels is also an option, with blanching recommended for better flavor.
There are several types of corn:
Sweet Corn: Sweeter and less starchy than field corn, it’s available fresh, frozen, or canned, in yellow, white, or bicolor varieties.
Hominy: Field corn soaked in lye to remove the hull, then cooked and rinsed. It’s available canned or as dried kernels, which can be cooked like dried beans or ground into grits or masa flour.
Cornmeal: Ground from dried, mature field corn, available as whole grain (stone ground) or degermed (with germ and bran removed).
Popcorn: Kernels with a hard, moisture-resistant hull surrounding a dense pocket of starch that pops when heated, making it an excellent whole-grain snack.
Corn can be enjoyed in many dishes, from salads and casseroles to soups and stir-fries, or simply as a snack. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, corn offers endless culinary possibilities and can be a delicious part of any meal. Next time you're at the market, make sure to grab some corn and enjoy the endless possibilities this golden veggie offers.