Sweet corn: Now's the time to buy
By Jesse Claeys, Journal staff writer | Posted: Thursday, August 07, 2008
Sweet corn is abundant and ripe in Siouxland now.
Sweet corn is a small piece of Iowa's agricultural business. In fact, fewer than 6,000 of the state's 13 million acres of corn are devoted to the sweet variety.
Sweet corn is a small piece of Iowa's agricultural business. In fact, fewer than 6,000 of the state's 13 million acres of corn are devoted to the sweet variety.
Yet, each summer area eaters look forward to the roadside tents and trucks offering farm fresh corn. It's a benefit of living in the Midwest, some would say.
Fourth of July is normally the time when sweet corn buying gets into full swing, but not this year. A cold spring followed by a wet summer delayed the arrival of locally grown sweet corn until just recently. If you purchased ears for Fourth of July cookouts, they most likely came from places like Florida or Georgia.
Now farmers in places like Kingsley, Elk Point and Moville are collecting their crops, setting up stands at busy area intersections and hoping that all those ears add up to bushels of cash.
"Right now," said Cindy Allen, co-manager of Country Market Produce stand on Hamilton Boulevard, when asked when peak corn buying time will strike.
Allen said farm fresh corn is typically available from mid-July all the way past Labor Day Weekend. She said this year crops were late to arrive, but they are in full swing right now. The only hitch is the price per dozen has risen.
"I'll give you one guess," said Allen when asked why corn prices are up this year.
"Last year a dozen went for three, three and a half dollars. This year we're asking $4.50. It's all because of gas. It costs more to bring it down here, then there's the awful diesel prices to run the tractor. Seed is even costing us more."
Allen and her family, who farm land near Elk Point, have operated roadside produce stands since the early '90s. The customers are regulars and many trust that the Triple Sweet variety of corn they grow is up to snuff.
As for how to prepare it, Allen likes it grilled in the husk.
"It tastes so good that way. You really don't need butter or salt."
Five kernels of truth
For those who may not know what to look for when buying, Cindy Allen, co-manager of Country Market Produce, offers this advice.
"Pick it up and take note."
Allen said she holds the ear, looking for a solid feel. "Nothing mooshy," she said. She next examines the tip, looking for a rounded end, not one that comes to an abrupt point. "A pointy tip means its too young and came out of the field to early."
There's also some additional ways to pick an ear of sweet corn that will make dinner guests clamor for more.
FEEL: As Allen says, an ear of corn should feel firm and solid, not mushy.
TIP: An quick examination of the tip can reveal if the corn is ready for your plate. The corn cob should come to a blunt end, not a long point. A pointy cob end reveals corn that was picked too early.
COLOR: Green is what you are looking for all around. The husk should be green. The point where the ear was cut from the stalk should also be green. Avoid any dark greens or browns.
HUSK: Just like skinny jeans, you're looking for a tight fit here. Husks shouldn't be loose or hanging from the ear. Avoid corn that has had the husk pulled back, or any that are dry looking.
SILK: Although silk is a pain when it comes time to husk, silk can offer a guide to what lies inside. The more silk mean the more kernels on the cob. Also, silk should be a pale golden brown. Dark brown or black is bad news.
Sweet corn is a small piece of Iowa's agricultural business. In fact, fewer than 6,000 of the state's 13 million acres of corn are devoted to the sweet variety.
Yet, each summer area eaters look forward to the roadside tents and trucks offering farm fresh corn. It's a benefit of living in the Midwest, some would say.
Fourth of July is normally the time when sweet corn buying gets into full swing, but not this year. A cold spring followed by a wet summer delayed the arrival of locally grown sweet corn until just recently. If you purchased ears for Fourth of July cookouts, they most likely came from places like Florida or Georgia.
Now farmers in places like Kingsley, Elk Point and Moville are collecting their crops, setting up stands at busy area intersections and hoping that all those ears add up to bushels of cash.
"Right now," said Cindy Allen, co-manager of Country Market Produce stand on Hamilton Boulevard, when asked when peak corn buying time will strike.
Allen said farm fresh corn is typically available from mid-July all the way past Labor Day Weekend. She said this year crops were late to arrive, but they are in full swing right now. The only hitch is the price per dozen has risen.
"I'll give you one guess," said Allen when asked why corn prices are up this year.
"Last year a dozen went for three, three and a half dollars. This year we're asking $4.50. It's all because of gas. It costs more to bring it down here, then there's the awful diesel prices to run the tractor. Seed is even costing us more."
Allen and her family, who farm land near Elk Point, have operated roadside produce stands since the early '90s. The customers are regulars and many trust that the Triple Sweet variety of corn they grow is up to snuff.
As for how to prepare it, Allen likes it grilled in the husk.
"It tastes so good that way. You really don't need butter or salt."
Five kernels of truth
For those who may not know what to look for when buying, Cindy Allen, co-manager of Country Market Produce, offers this advice.
"Pick it up and take note."
Allen said she holds the ear, looking for a solid feel. "Nothing mooshy," she said. She next examines the tip, looking for a rounded end, not one that comes to an abrupt point. "A pointy tip means its too young and came out of the field to early."
There's also some additional ways to pick an ear of sweet corn that will make dinner guests clamor for more.
FEEL: As Allen says, an ear of corn should feel firm and solid, not mushy.
TIP: An quick examination of the tip can reveal if the corn is ready for your plate. The corn cob should come to a blunt end, not a long point. A pointy cob end reveals corn that was picked too early.
COLOR: Green is what you are looking for all around. The husk should be green. The point where the ear was cut from the stalk should also be green. Avoid any dark greens or browns.
HUSK: Just like skinny jeans, you're looking for a tight fit here. Husks shouldn't be loose or hanging from the ear. Avoid corn that has had the husk pulled back, or any that are dry looking.
SILK: Although silk is a pain when it comes time to husk, silk can offer a guide to what lies inside. The more silk mean the more kernels on the cob. Also, silk should be a pale golden brown. Dark brown or black is bad news.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 4 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
PJ wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:51 PM:
USA Steve wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:18 PM:
bb wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:45 AM:
"The LOVE of money is the root of all evil" "
Jim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:05 AM: