8 Tasty Things to Do With Corn

Whether you know it as corn or sweetcorn, those little yellow vegetables are unmistakable on the plate.  While they are available all year round, this time of year is when they are starting to be harvested and the freshest corn on the cob can be grabbed.

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But what are some of the things to do with corn?  And why get it into your diet at all?  Let’s get to know the little yellow things a bit better.

What is corn?

Even putting corn into a category of food is a little complex!  When you eat whole corn or corn on the cob, it is considered a vegetable.  But the actual kernel of corn, which is used in things like popcorn, is considered a whole grain.  Which makes it a fruit because it comes from the seed or flower of the plant whereas vegetables come from the leaves or other plant parts.

There are three main types of corn:

• Sweet corn – the grocery store type of corn
• Field corn – often used as a cattle feed
• Indian corn – comes in a variety of different colours and is often used in decorations around Halloween and Thanksgiving

Confused?  For sure but what corn counts as isn’t really a huge issue.  It is more important to see what you can do with it and if there are health benefits to eating corn.

What are the common varieties of Corn?

Here are some of the common varieties of corn:

• Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is the type most commonly consumed in the United States. It’s often eaten on the cob, canned, or frozen.
• Dent Corn: Dent corn, also known as field corn, is used for livestock feed, industrial products, and to make processed foods.
• Flint Corn: Flint corn, or Indian corn, has a hard, protective outer layer. It’s used in making cornmeal, corn chips, and tortillas.
• Popcorn: This variety of corn is the only kind that pops. The kernel’s hard moisture-sealed hull and the dense starchy filling is what makes it pop when heated.
• Flour Corn: Flour corn is primarily used to make corn flour. It is composed almost entirely of soft starch and it’s easy to grind.

Here are some products and recipes typically made using corn:

• Cornbread: A common dish in American cuisine, particularly associated with the south and southwest.
• Corn Tortillas: A popular component of Mexican cuisine, used in tacos, enchiladas, and more.
• Polenta: An Italian dish similar to grits, made from cornmeal.
• Corn syrup: A sweet liquid made by breaking down cornstarch. It’s used in a variety of sweet recipes and commercially-made foods.
• Corn flake cereals: A common breakfast food, made from milled corn.
• Corn oil: Extracted from the germ of corn, it’s used for cooking and frying food.

Does corn have health benefits?

Just like the question of what corn is, the question of the health benefits of corn is also quite complicated.  Plus there is a whole range of corn-derived produced like corn flour, corn syrup and polenta that are made from corn.

Sweetcorn contains a range of vitamins including Vitamin B6, potassium, folate and vitamin B3, also known as niacin.  The latter can be hard to absorb but cooking the corn with lime helps with this.

Popcorn is also quite rich in vitamins and minerals – the downsides can come from all those toppings!  Basic popcorn includes manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and copper, which are all required by the body to stay healthy.

Generally, corn has more antioxidants than other cereal grains including anthocyanins (coloured corn) and lutein.  It is particularly good due to the antioxidants that are beneficial for the eyes.

The main downside comes from something called phytic acid which can stop your body from absorbing vital minerals.  For most people, this is no problem if you eat a balanced diet but if you have cereal grains and legumes as a principle diet, this can be an issue.

How do you store fresh Corn?

Storing fresh corn properly can help maintain its taste and nutritional value. In general, fresh corn on the cob should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the husks on until you’re ready to use them, as this can help preserve the corn’s freshness.

Corn should be placed in a plastic bag and stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It’s best to consume fresh corn within 1-2 days, as its sugar content begins to convert into starch as soon as it’s harvested.

If you need to store corn for a longer time, blanch the cobs and then freeze them.

What’s a good substitute for Corn?

There are a few easy ingredients that can act as a substitute for corn:

1. Quinoa – Quinoa is a nutritious grain that can effectively replace corn in recipes due to its similar texture. It’s high in protein, making it an excellent substitute in dishes where corn is the main ingredient.
2. Rice – Particularly in dishes where corn is used as a grain, rice is an effective substitute. It’s versatile and easily absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with.
3. Potatoes – Potatoes can replace corn in soups, stews, and casseroles. They have a similar texture and are equally filling.
4. Cauliflower – Cauliflower can be processed into small pieces resembling corn kernels. It’s an excellent low-carb substitute for corn in salads and stir-fry dishes.
5. Carrots – Sweet and crunchy, carrots can replace corn in many recipes. They add a similar touch of sweetness and a nearly identical crunch.
6. Peas – Peas can mimic the size and sweetness of corn, making them a good substitute in many dishes. They also offer a similar burst of flavor when bitten into.
7. Bell Peppers – Chopped bell peppers can replace corn in recipes, adding a similar crunch and a burst of flavor. They also bring a vibrant color to dishes.

The basics – how to cook corn on the cob

One of the things that makes corn popular is there are lots of things to do with it.  But before we dive into recipes and serving ideas, let’s take a look at the basic ways to cook corn.

Boil it

The simplest option is just to boil it – use either a flat pan for corn on the cob and place it on its side or a bigger pan to cook individual kernels.  Fill the pan with water to cover then cook for 3-5 minutes or a little longer for frozen corn.

Microwave it

If you don’t want to go down the pot and pan route, grab a microwave plate and cook the corn for around 4-6 minutes for full cobs or a bit less for kernels.  Make sure they are hot then let to cool a little before eating.

Grill them

This one applies to corn on the cob for obvious reasons – you can pop the whole cob onto the grill or barbecue and grill them.  Use a medium-hot grill and let them cook until some of the outer husks and toasted, about 15 minutes then strip the husks and eat.

Things to do with corn

While cooking corn on its own is great, it really comes into its element when you make dishes with it.  Here are some of the top things to do with corn to get you started!

With its versatility, corn can be the star of many dishes, from simple and rustic to gourmet. Here are a few things to do with corn:

1. Grilled Corn: Simply shuck the corn, slather it with butter or olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill. The result is a smoky, sweet, and savory treat that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
2. Corn Saute: For a quick and nutritious side dish, sauté corn kernels in olive oil with some garlic and onion, then season with salt, pepper, and a dash of lime juice. Add some chopped bell pepper or tomato for extra flavor and color.
3. Corn Soup: Blend fresh or frozen corn with some vegetable broth until smooth, then simmer with some onion, garlic, and herbs. Add a dollop of cream for a richer flavor.
4. Corn Salad: Toss fresh, cooked corn kernels with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado. Dress it with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. For an added punch, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or cilantro on top.
5. Corn Fritters: Mix fresh corn kernels with flour, egg, and some baking powder, then pan-fry until golden. These are great as a snack, or as a side dish with grilled meats.
6. Creamed Corn: Simmer corn kernels in cream until soft and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for a decadent side dish that’s especially good with roast chicken.
7. Corn Bread: Combine cornmeal with flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and milk to create a batter. Bake until golden for a sweet and savory bread that’s excellent with soups and stews.

Remember, the key to great corn dishes is to use fresh, sweet corn when in season. However, frozen corn is a good substitute when fresh isn’t available.

Creamed corn

One of the simplest ways to enjoy corn is in a dish like creamed corn.  For this, you need some butter and half an onion for every two corn on the cobs as well as a pinch of sugar and some nutmeg.  Melt the butter and add the onion, cooking until soft then add about 4 tbsp water and the corn.  Stir and cover for around 10 minutes until the corn is cooked then add sugar, salt and pepper to taste and a little nutmeg.

More recipes to make with Corn