CORN – Sweet Cob

Sweet corn cobs are a summer BBQ staple. Corn belongs to the grass family of plants (known as the Poaceae family or Gramineae family). Included in this grass family are all familiar cereal grains, including wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice and millet. Sweet corn is a spontaneous genetic variant of maize with a higher sugar content, and is consumed as a vegetable rather than used as a grain.

Corn needs consistent sunlight and heat to grow, which is why its only available through late Spring and Summer.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet corn is a good source of vitamins C, B1 and B3. It also contains minerals such as potassium and manganese. Sweet corn is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is important for a healthy digestive system.

Storage

Store sweet corn in its husk in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Use within two days of buying. You can also blanch your corn cobs and freeze for up to 6 months on the cob, or with the kernels sliced off and stored in a container.