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 Summer
time….picnics, boating, watermelon and sweet, sweet summer
corn! We look forward to summer all year long when we can
once again prepare our favorite corn recipes from fresh corn
risottos to crisp fresh corn cooked right on the grill.
Corn is one of those perfectly packaged
vegetables that maintains its freshness inside its natural
‘sleeve’. The corn husk protects the ear from damage
and keeps it moist and fresh. This outer shell is nature’s
protective covering. Unfortunately, many people break this
covering by peeling back the husk to examine the condition
of the kernels. This results in exposing the ear to air which
dries out the corn. A better way to check corn is to grab
it firmly and squeeze gently to feel the uniformity of the
ear. By squeezing, you can tell if the ear is firm and full
of kernels without breaking the protective husk shell. Once
you switch to this method of corn examination, you will probably
find yourself a little annoyed the next time you approach
a bin of corn on the cob and stare down at a bushel of corn
that has all been half peeled open. Ah well, it will then
be your job to join the informed in spreading the word.
Here’s a few things we’ve learned
about corn.
 Most
people have corn on the cob cooking methods that have been
passed on from generation to generation. You can start some
interesting debates, or even arguments on the correct amount
of time to boil corn, not to mention the debate whether to
add salt or sugar to the boiling water. If you eat a lot of
corn during the summer, you’ve probably noticed that
it seems to be sweeter than it used to be. That is because
it is. Like it or not, corn has been manipulated over a period
of time to produce sweeter corn that is getting still sweeter
all the time. These sweet varieties are also grown to delay
the conversion of sugar to starch for longer periods of time.
Sweet corn is delicious uncooked and is great in salads or
any dish that calls for the freshest vegetables, just like
carrots or even red bell peppers.
So what is the correct amount of time to
boil corn? Ultimately it’s up to you, but because it
is really unnecessary to cook corn at all, just dipping it
in rigorously boiling water is sufficient. Corn experts subscribe
to the 30 second method, dip it in and pull it out. We prefer
a little softer kernel and cook corn in boiling water for
about 2 minutes.
 Should
you salt the water? In a word, no. There is no benefit to
salting the water for boiling corn. Salt actually toughens
the kernels and adds sodium to a natural food that requires
none. There is also no need to add sugar, especially since
today’s sweeter corn is plenty sweet already.
If you want to get the most flavor out of
boiled corn, boil it with the husks on. Add the ears of corn
to the boiling water with husks and silks still in tact. You
will be pleasantly surprised how easy the husks and silks
peel away from the cob once they are cool enough to handle.
Now that corn is on the tip of your tongue,
here are some great corn recipes that will get you into the
season:
Corn
& Shrimp Fritters: A delicious appetizer that
combines two favorite ingredients, shrimp and corn. Serve
with a Thai inspired dipping sauce.
Corn
Pancakes with Black Bean Salsa: A favorite for breakfast
or a quick dinner.
Polenta
Torte: This savory torte makes a perfect lunch combined
with salad, or can be enjoyed as a hearty slice of ‘bread’.
Chocolate
Chili Cups: An unusual combination of corn and chocolate.
The pureed corn adds a rich milkiness to this scrumptious
dessert
Creamy
Corn & Mushrooms: One of our favorite recipes
of the month!
Shrimp
& Corn Saute: Quick and easy, a great after work dinner!
Creamed
Corn w/ Basil: This is what creamed corn is supposed
to taste like!
Corn
Casserole: Latin flavors give this dish a zing!
We hope these recipes will inspire you to
think of corn in new and unique ways. And remember, we’ll
be watching as you select your ears of corn at the corn bin!
- Glutenfreeda
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