Wk 6: Corn

In this week’s issue of my Farmers Market Produce Guide, I will be reviewing all things relating to Corn! Corn is the quintessential summer vegetable and honestly one of the most versatile things at the farmers market right now.

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Each kernel is sugary sweet from the sun right now and delicious completely on its own. It is wonderful tossed into pastas, salads, cold soups, and warm soups…but sometimes there is truly nothing better than a perfectly cooked ear of corn with a little good butter. Simple, sweet, and so incredibly satisfying. 

There is something so nostalgic about corn on the cob. The little yellow plastic corn cob holders that come out of the drawer every summer make me so happy.  Have you every thought, who invented this little contraption that we still use in 2026?! I am still using the ones my mom had from my childhood, lol…here is the classic version. And another tool worth knowing about is the OXO Corn Peeler. Rather than using a knife to strip the kernels off the cob, this tool does it in seconds and makes the whole process so much easier. A really handy addition to your summer kitchen!

If you are looking for the salad that is going to steal the show at every single summer gathering this season…this is it. My Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bold, bright, and packed with the most incredible flavors. Sweet summer corn cut straight off the cob, tender pasta, crisp red bell pepper, fresh herbs, and the creamiest, most flavor packed dressing you have ever tasted…tangy yogurt and mayo, smoky paprika, cumin, fresh lime, and salty cotija cheese all coming together in the most beautiful way.

Another recipe that is out of this world, is my Crispy Cod with Corn salad.  Every June, I start dreaming about sweet summer corn- it’s one of those vegetables I wait patiently for all year long. This corn salad is fabulous on its own for a light al fresco lunch- it’s crunchy, sweet, creamy, and bright. But top it with a simply prepared piece of cod and you’ve got a completely delicious dinner.

Fun Facts about Corn

Corn is actually a grass. Botanically speaking, corn is a member of the grass family…which makes it a distant relative of wheat, rice, and sugarcane. One of the most productive and useful grasses on the planet!

Each ear of corn has an even number of rows. Always. It is one of those satisfying little facts that you will never be able to un-know. Go ahead and count next time- I dare you!

One ear of corn has approximately 800 kernels arranged in 16 rows. Every single kernel is a seed, and every single silk strand you painstakingly pick off corresponds to exactly one kernel. Now husking corn feels a little more meaningful!

Corn is native to the Americas. It was first cultivated by indigenous peoples in Mexico over 9,000 years ago and was one of the most important crops in the ancient world. When European explorers arrived in the Americas, corn completely changed the way the entire world ate.

Best Way to Store Corn

At the farmers market Always buy corn with the husks still on! The husk protects the kernels and keeps everything fresh and sweet. Look for husks that are bright green and tightly wrapped, with golden brown silk peeking out the top. Give it a gentle squeeze- the kernels should feel plump and firm all the way to the tip.

The golden rule Eat it as soon as possible! Remember- the sugar in fresh corn starts converting to starch the moment it is picked. The fresher the corn the sweeter and more delicious it will be. Same day is always best!

In the refrigerator Keep corn in its husk unwashed and unshucked in the refrigerator. Store it in a plastic bag to retain moisture and use within 1 to 3 days for the best flavor. The husk acts as a natural protective wrapper so leave it on until you are ready to cook.

On the counter Corn does not do well sitting out at room temperature for long… it will lose its sweetness quickly. Always refrigerate it as soon as you get home from the market.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of sunshine and relaxation! Get some fresh produce and get yourself in the kitchen this weekend- its an order. So many great recipes with all the amazingly ripe fruits and veggies right now! XO, Kat