Golden Sweet Corn - Perfect Preparation and Other Ideas
Discover > Texas Home Cooking > Golden Sweet Corn - Perfect Preparation and Other Ideas
Sweet corn (how long does corn last?) is a type of maize that is harvested when the kernels are immature and used as a vegetable even though it is technically a grain. Sweet corn is grown in many parts of the United States, but it is especially popular in Texas. This is likely because of the warm climate in Texas which is ideal for growing sweet corn. It is one of the most popular vegetables in Texas and has many different uses. Sweet corn can be found year-round in some parts of Texas, but it is usually harvested in the summer months.
A Quick Guide to What's in Season in Texas
Explore the bountiful offerings of each season in Texas with our quick guide to what's in season, helping you make the most of fresh, local ingredients.
Quick sweet corn trivia: You can find sweet corn and corn on almost all food menus in Texas!
Types of Corn
There are many different types of corn, but the two most common types are field corn and sweet corn. Field corn is used primarily for animal feed and as fodder, while sweet corn is the corn that we all love on those summer barbecues and picnics. Sweet corn has a higher sugar content than field corn and is harvested when the kernels are immature to keep the sugar from developing further.
Other types of corn that we all know about but we don't directly consume at their original state are:
Flour (how long does flour last?) corn - this is the type of corn that is ground up into flour.
Popcorn (how long does popcorn last?)- yep, this is the type of corn that's made into popcorn.
Indian corn / flint corn - this type of corn can easily be identified by its colors. And as the name implies, the kernels are as hard as flint!
Dent corn - identifiable because of the "dent" on the kernels, dent corn is used in the production of ethanol, as feed for livestock, and to make sweeteners (think high fructose corn syrup (how long does corn syrup last?)!).
Golden Sweet Corn: Perfect Preparation and Other Ideas
Discover the culinary delights of golden sweet corn with our guide to perfect preparation and creative ideas for incorporating this delicious ingredient into your meals.
How to Select Sweet Corn
Harvesting sweet corn is a process that starts with the farmer. Once the sweet corn is picked, it is then brought to market where it can be sold fresh, canned, or frozen.
There are many different ways to pick the fresh corn and the best sweet corn. One way is to look for ears that are plump and have a deep, rich color. Another way to pick the best sweet corn is to smell the ear and make sure it has a sweet fragrance. You should also avoid ears of sweet corn that have dried-out tips or brownish streaks.
One way to check the freshness of sweet corn that bothers many farmers and sellers is to check for plumpness and "completeness" of the kernels by pulling back the husk. If this is your preferred way of checking, then you can actually check this by gently feeling over the husk and feel for empty spots!
How to Store Sweet Corn
Once you have picked the best ears of sweet corn, it is important to store them properly so they will stay fresh. Sweet corn can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze sweet corn for up to six months.
If you are going to freeze sweet corn, it is important to blanch the ears first. Blanching is a process where the ears of sweet corn are placed in boiling water for three minutes and then placed in cold water to stop the cooking process. This process helps to preserve the sweetness and flavor of the corn.
How to Prepare Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be eaten raw, grilled, boiled, roasted, or even in the microwave!
If you are going to eat sweet corn raw, make sure to remove the husk and silks before eating. You can also remove the kernels from the cob and enjoy them as a salad.
If you are going to grill sweet corn, make sure to remove the husk and silks before grilling. You can also brush the kernels with olive oil or butter and then place them on the grill. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
For boiling or adding to soups, there is a common misconception that you can't overcook sweet corn when in fact, you can! Overcooked corn can result in chewy and firm kernels which is something that nobody likes. I mean, would you rather have a bite of corn that explodes in your mouth with flavor or have one that's already tough and chewy? I think we all know the answer.
You can also prepare sweet corn in the microwave! Simply pop it on high in the microwave for three to four minutes, take it out, allow it to cool for a little bit then season with salt and pepper (and butter!) to taste.
When is the Best Time to Pick Sweet Corn?
It is tricky to know the best time to pick sweet corn because you can't see the ripening process, unlike harvesting tomatoes or peppers.
When you are ready to start picking, don't rely on the size of the corn's ear. Generally, most sweet corn varieties are ready to harvest between 70 and 80 days after being planted.
The best time to pick sweet corn is in the morning. Its sugar content at this time of the day is the highest.
Sweet Corn Nutrition
Sweet corn is a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and other minerals. Sweet corn is a low-calorie food and is fat-free. One cup of sweet corn provides about four grams of fiber.
The fiber in sweet corn can help to regulate the digestive system and can also help to lower cholesterol levels. The vitamin A in sweet corn is good for vision and the immune system. Vitamin C helps to heal cuts and wounds and also helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. B6 is important for metabolism and red blood cell function.
While there are many different types of corn, sweet corn is the best type to pick for a number of reasons. For one, it is incredibly sweet and delicious. It is also a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6. Sweet corn is a low-calorie food and is fat-free. One cup of sweet corn provides about four grams of fiber.
Cornmeal vs Masa Harina
Cornmeal (how long does cornmeal last?) is a type of flour that is made from dried corn (how long does dried corn last?) kernels. It is most commonly used in cornbread, pancakes, and as a coating for fried foods (What wine goes well with fried foods?). Cornmeal can be found in both white and yellow varieties, with the yellow being more common. It can also be found in either coarse or fine grinds.
Masa harina (how long does masa harina last?) is a type of flour that is made from nixtamalized corn. It is most commonly used in Mexican and Central American cuisine for dishes such as tortillas, tamales, and pupusas. Masa harina has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It can be found in most supermarkets in the Hispanic foods aisle.
For more authentic corn tortillas (how long do corn tortillas last?), go with masa harina!
What is a Bushel of Corn?
A bushel of corn is a unit of measurement that is used to indicate the amount of corn kernels in a given container. One bushel of corn contains about 32 quarts (8 gallons) of kernels. This is equivalent to about 48 pounds or 21.6 kilograms. This measurement is usually used for pourable solids (corn, grain)
BONUS: How to Make Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a type of flatbread that is made from cornmeal or milled corn. They are traditionally used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and can be served either soft or fried. Corn tortillas are typically smaller and thinner than wheat tortillas (how long do wheat tortillas last?).
Corn tortillas have a sweet and nutty flavor. They are often served with savory dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. However, they can also be enjoyed on their own or with a simple topping of butter or cheese (how long does cheese last?).
The most common way to make corn tortillas is to use a process called nixtamalization. This involves soaking the corn in an alkaline solution, which helps to soften the corn and makes it easier to grind into flour. The dough is then formed into tortillas and cooked on a hot griddle.
Corn tortillas can also be made without nixtamalization, though the process does result in a more authentic flavor. To make corn tortillas without nixtamalization, simply combine cornmeal with water to form a dough. The dough is then formed into tortillas and cooked on a hot griddle.
Corn Tortilla Ingredients:
1 cup masa harina
1 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Corn Tortilla Instructions:
1. Combine the masa harina and hot water and salt in a bowl and stir until well mixed.
2. Scoop out 1/4 cup of the mixture and form it into a ball.
3. Place the ball of dough onto a floured surface and press it out into a circle. If you have a tortilla press then it would be best!
4. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and cook the tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side. Enjoy!
Need ideas on how to prepare sweet corn? Check out one of our guides on how to spice up your sweet corn here or you check out our recipes section for more sweet corn recipes.
