If you’ve never ventured into the world of fresh corn kernels or corn on the cob for your daily meals, summer is the best time to start popping some fun. Not only because corn harvesting peaks during the warm summer months, but also because the versatile veggie is best enjoyed fresh. Although canned goods have some advantages when it comes to price, convenience, storage, and transportation, they also tend to be high in sodium (as salt helps to preserve the food) and relatively lower in nutrients (as a result of the canning process). Fresh ears of sweet corn are also the quintessential cookout side! With at least six creative ways to get these ready for the family reunions you have planned for the summer, the real challenge will be not letting all the compliments go to your head!
Microwaving
Tenderizing your kernels only takes about 4 minutes of cooking time on a microwave-safe dish! Start here if everything else sounds too intimidating and work your way up to fancier preparation methods.
Try it with: Fresh Corn Relish
Boiling
The secret to achieving the best results with this method is to get enough water to both cover the corn and reach boiling point before adding your fresh bulk to the pan. Be sure to cook on medium heat, covered, for about 7 minutes - or cook over low for about 30 minutes to boost flavors from accompanying ingredients!
Try it with: Stewed Corn and Tomatoes
Steaming
A steamer basket is your best friend here. As long as you keep the water levels below the basket and cook covered on high for about 6 minutes after the water starts to boil, you should be getting some decently tender corn at the end of the process.
Try it with: Corn and Shrimp Saute
Pressure Cooking
Immerse the corn in water and cook for around two minutes after the pressure cooker reaches high temperature. It’s that simple, and you can serve it immediately or incorporate it into a recipe by quickly releasing the pressure.
Try it with: Skillet Perfect Creamed Corn
Oven Roasting
An internal temperature of about 375°F will work for most ovens and cobs. Wrap them up on aluminum foil (seasoning is optional at this point), and cook for circa 30 minutes or until you achieve your desired tenderness.
Try it with: Baked Corn on the Cob
Grilling
With a grill, you should be looking at a temperature range of 350 to 400°F. Brushing vegetable oil on the cobs is essential here, as well as charring them with the grill hood closed and flipping every third of the way through the 15-minute total grilling time.
Try it with: Grilled Corn and Veggie Toss
We hope you feel inspired to eat more fresh sweet corn this summer. Click here to learn more about why corn is one of our seasonal favorites and to find additional curated recipes for incorporating more of this nutrient-dense veggie into your diet!