Corn
Also called maize
Corn offers a crunch and natural sweetness, fresh or processed.
Flavor profile
Aroma: sweet, buttery
Good to know
Origin: Central America
Forms: fresh, canned, frozen
Storage: Refrigerate fresh corn with husks on to preserve moisture, or freeze kernels for longer storage.
How to use corn
Sweetest Corn Ever
Grilling caramelizes sugars, boosting sweetness.
Crunch Controller
Post-boil, an ice water bath stabilizes cell walls, locking in crunch.
What goes with corn
- Bacon. Bacon's fat and smoky notes pair perfectly with corn's sweetness.
- Lime. Lime's acid brightens corn's sweetness, as in grilled street corn.
- Jalapeño. Jalapeno's heat cuts corn's sweetness.
- Black Bean. Sweet corn and black beans are a classic, as in salsa and chili.
- Cilantro. Cilantro adds a fresh contrast to corn's sweetness.
- Basil. Sweet corn kernels and fresh basil pair in summer salads.
- Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise's creamy fat coats sweet corn, as in elote.
- Poblano. Poblano's mild, smoky heat balances corn's sweetness.
- Shrimp. Corn's sweetness matches shrimp's, and both are quick-cooking.
- Tortilla. Corn kernels add sweetness and echo the corn flavor in tortillas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking dries out corn, leading to tough texture.
- Premature husk removal speeds up moisture loss.
Ideas for tonight
- Grill with butter and herbs on the cob.
- Toss kernels into salads for crunch.
- Blend into a smooth corn soup.
Corn: questions
What does corn taste like?
Corn offers a crunch and natural sweetness, fresh or processed. Its strongest notes are sweet, with an aroma that is sweet, buttery.
What goes well with corn?
Corn pairs best with bacon, lime, jalapeño, black bean, cilantro. Bacon's fat and smoky notes pair perfectly with corn's sweetness.
How do you use corn in cooking?
Sweetest Corn Ever: grilling caramelizes sugars, boosting sweetness.
How should you store corn?
Refrigerate fresh corn with husks on to preserve moisture, or freeze kernels for longer storage.
What is the most common mistake with corn?
Overcooking dries out corn, leading to tough texture.
