Corn Produce Guide + 31 Corn Recipes
Corn Produce Guide is an informative guide including nutrition information, varieties, how to store it, and a round up of 31 corn recipes!
Corn on the cob used to be one of my favorite things to eat in the summer when I was growing up. My mom would boil it and serve it piping hot, so I inserted the corn cob holders into each end of the corn, slathered on a bit of butter and ate it left to right, row by row.
Memories. 🙂
I still love my corn today, and during the summer I prepare it weekly. I normally cook up a few ears at a time and either eat it right off of the cob like I did in my childhood, or remove the kernels and toss them into my dishes during the week.
There’s nothing like biting into the plump, crisp kernels and tasting that milky, sweet flavor. To me, corn just tastes like summer.
Corn Produce Guide
Corn, or maize, is one of the most popular crops in America. The corn plant is an annual that’s a member of the grass family with a stout, solid stem and large, narrow green leaves.
The interesting thing about corn is that it’s considered to be a vegetable, grain and a fruit.
- A vegetable is considered to be the edible part of a plant, so when you eat corn on the cob, it’s a vegetable.
- Once the kernels are removed from the cob, the individual kernels are considered to be whole grain.
- The definition of fruit is an edible part of a plant that contains a seed, so when the kernels are popped into popcorn, corn is then considered a fruit!
Origin of corn
The biological origin of corn, or maize, is traced back as far as 10,000 years ago to a Mexican grass called teosinte. Teosinte was simply 12 kernels protected by a hard casing, so it hardly resembles the plump, juicy corn that we know today.
Corn was first domesticated by native Mexican people 10,000 years ago, and Native Americans taught Europeans how to cultivate it.
Since corn was introduced to the world by European explorers, it’s grown widely all around the world.
Varieties of corn
There are 4 main varieties of corn:
- Field corn: Field, or dent corn, is used to feed livestock. There’s a small dent on the top of each kernel, which is an indication that the corn is dry, starchy and not very sweet.
- Sweet corn: Sweet corn is the corn that you see in the supermarket. It’s plump and sweet, and is normally white, yellow or bi-color. You may see Super Sweet Corn at the market, which is sweet corn that has been “sugar enhanced” so that it tastes even sweeter.
- Indian corn: Indian, or flint corn is extremely hard and dry. Normally it’s used as a harvest decoration, but due to its high nutrient value, they’re often used to produce corn meal, corn flour, polenta, hominy and grits.
- Heirloom corn: Heirloom corn is crimson red or purple-black in color, and is very rare.
Uses of corn
The corn industry in the United States is vast. There are 90 million acres of corn planted in this country, and most of it is grown in the Heartland region. 10-20% of the corn produced in the U.S. is exported to other countries.
99% of the corn grown in America is field corn, which is used to feed cattle, hogs and poultry, and produce ethanol bio fuel.
Corn is also used to produce the following:
- corn starch
- corn syrup
- cornmeal
- masa
- polenta
- corn flour
- alcohol
How to grow corn
I’ve never grown corn in my garden because I don’t have the space and corn is very inexpensive. If you’re interested, click here.
Corn nutrition facts
The health benefits of corn differ depending on the type of corn that you eat. Sweet corn tends to be higher in vitamins, and popcorn tends to be higher in minerals.
Corn is a whole grain and contains 2.4 grams of fiber per serving, which means that it can improve digestion and prevent constipation.
There are about 77 calories per serving of corn, with 22 carbohydrates, 3.4 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of sugar.
For more nutrition facts, see here.
How to store corn on the cob
Store fresh corn on the cob in the husk in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
Once corn is shucked and cooked, it will keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
How to freeze corn on the cob
Shuck the corn and freeze the cobs in an air tight container for several months.
Corn may also be removed from the cob and frozen.
How to cook corn on the cob
There are two main ways to cook corn on the cob — boiling and grilling.
Boiled corn
- Place the shucked corn in a large stock pot and cover with water by about 2″. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately remove from heat and allow to stand covered for 10 minutes.
- Drain the corn in a colander and enjoy!
Grilled corn
- See my post Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob for all the details!
31 Corn Recipes
Corn is so versatile, and works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes. This round up of delicious corn recipes includes Mexican sweet corn cake, street corn, corn chowder and corn salsa.
I hope these recipes show you how to eat corn in exciting new ways this summer!
31 Corn Recipes
Corn Produce Guide is an informative guide including nutrition information, varieties, how to store it, and a round up of 31 corn recipes!
Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob
Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob is a tutorial on how to grill corn using 3 different cooking techniques. Learn how to grill corn in the husk, in foil, or with the husk removed!
Farmers Market Grilled Flatbread Pizza • a farmgirl's dabbles
This recipe for Farmers Market Grilled Flatbread Pizza tops ready-made flatbread crusts with pesto, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh goodness from the garden and farmers market.
Basil Lime Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad
Basil Lime Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad is an easy, flavorful grilled corn and zucchini salad with fresh basil and lime!
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad is an easy Mexican street corn salad recipe that’s smoky, tangy and bursting with fresh flavor!
Zucchini and Roasted Corn Fritters with Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Greek Yogurt
Zucchini and Roasted Corn Fritters with Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Greek Yogurt are golden brown fritters served with a creamy, cool Greek yogurt dip!
Dairy Free Corn Chowder - Cook Nourish Bliss
Dairy Free Corn Chowder is creamy, flavorful and loaded with veggies!
Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad
Grilled Corn Caprese Quinoa Salad combines grilled corn with caprese flavors, quinoa, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is healthy, delicious, and is what summer is all about!
Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas
Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas are hearty, delicious vegetarian sweet potato enchiladas smothered in homemade enchilada sauce!
Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe for Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soup is thick and creamy with a smoky, spicy flavor. And it uses ready-to-cook diced butternut squash, carrots, onions and leeks, so it minimizes prep time, making it a quick and easy clean eating soup!
Roasted Corn and Chickpea Kale Salad
Roasted corn and chickpeas tossed into fresh kale and lightly coated in a maple-lemon vinaigrette.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is bursting with flavor, sweet, and juicy as can be! Make this with fresh corn for a great side dish recipe.
Black Bean Corn Salsa
This salsa recipe is easier than you think to throw together! Chopping a few fresh ingredients, opening a couple of cans and whisking together some olive oil, lime juice and spices together is all it takes to make this crowd favorite.
Bacon & Corn Risotto
Sweet summer corn and crispy bacon take classic creamy risotto to another level in this Bacon & Corn Risotto.
Easy Corn Cakes
Thin rounds of rich corn cake batter are fried in a slick of olive oil until crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, with the sweet crunch of corn in every bite.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Instant Pot corn on the cob is the fastest and most efficient way to cook your corn! Easy, fast, and perfectly juicy corn each time.
Summer Grilled Corn Salad
This Summer Grilled Corn Salad is full of avocado, black beans, and Cotija cheese, along with a chili-lime Mexican dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for all of your summer barbecues!
Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
Creamy and so simple to make, this corn pudding recipe is a family favorite that we all love. It’s easy to make from scratch and offers so much yummy flavor that you’ll want seconds!
Mexican Corn Dip - Skinny and Easy to Make! | with video
This Mexican Corn Dip has all the flavors of Mexican Street Corn in an irresistible dip format, that you can actually feel good about eating!
Spicy Southern Hot Corn
This sassy Southern-style recipe has been part of our holiday meal tradition for years and doubles as a side dish AND a dip.
Sweet Corn, Hatch Chile, and Bacon Salsa
Sweet Corn, Hatch Chile and Bacon Salsa is spicy, savory and packed with fresh corn! It's great as a dip or a side.
Goat Cheese & Sweet Corn Grits - CPA
Goat Cheese & Sweet Corn Grits – Creamy sweet corn grits get even creamier with a few dollops of smooth goat cheese
Three Bean Mexican Corn Black Bean Salad
This quick and easy, healthy Three Bean Mexican Corn Black Bean Salad with avocado salsa dressing is the perfect Summer side! Gluten free, vegan and only one Weight Watchers Freestyle point!
Mexican Corn Salad with Honey Lime Shrimp | Food Faith Fitness
This healthy grilled Mexican corn salad is tossed with juicy, smoky shrimp and has a sweet and tangy honey lime vinaigrette! Perfect for summer cook outs!
Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad
Delicious grilled corn mixed together with avocado, tomato, feta, green onions, cilantro and cucumber then tossed in an easy dressing. The perfect refreshing side dish for a BBQ!
Hummus Flatbread with Grilled Corn and Berries
This summer inspired hummus flatbread is topped with grilled corn, berries and drizzled with a fresh roasted garlic parsley pesto. A great pre-dinner bite!
Caprese Salad Recipe with Homemade Cornbread
Cornbread Caprese Salad: Immediately up your salad game with this delicious caprese style salad with homemade cornbread, burrata cheese and reduced white balsamic vinegar.
Fried Corn Recipe (Southern Fried Corn)
ried Corn Recipe (Southern Fried Corn) – The best southern classic. Fresh corn on the cob is shucked, scraped and fried in a cast iron skillet with flavorful bacon drippings and sugar for the most delicious side to serve all summer.
Blueberry Corn Chicken Salad with Maple Dressing
The perfect summertime blueberry corn chicken salad with grilled corn, shredded chicken, roasted pecans and a maple balsamic dressing. Southern comfort food made healthy!
Sweet Corn, Kielbasa and Potato Soup
Sweet Corn, Kielbasa and Potato Soup is for the coldest of nights! This hearty and comforting, gluten-free soup recipe is filled with savory kielbasa, creamy potatoes, and snappy sweet corn.
Marcie, I have those same memories of eating corn as a child! Always boiled, slathered in butter, with those corn cob holders. Love it! Thanks for the tips in this guide. I had no idea I could freeze corn right on the cob, so I’ll be giving that a try for sure. And thanks for including my soup in your round-up!
They’re great memories aren’t they? 🙂 Thanks so much and I’m dying to try your soup!
Three cheers for summer corn! This is such an informative post Marcie! And thank you for including my soup! 🙂
Thanks Ashley and I just love your soup! 🙂
I work for the organization that exports the corn! Thank you for highlighting the product.
Absolutely! Thank you for checking out the post. 🙂