Sweet corn: Here’s what you need to know about this summer staple

If you do much driving around the Midwest, it isn’t hard to come across a corn field. It is certainly a summer staple around these parts!

But what do you know about corn?

You’ve certainly eaten it, slathered with butter and salt and pepper. Or cut off the cob and mixed into a dip, a salad or a soup.

Here are some fun facts about sweet corn.

Sweet corn is a popular dish served at fairs, backyard barbecues and restaurants. You can steam it, boil it, grill it, microwave it or bake it.
Corn was first grown in the Americas by indigenous people, about 7,000 years ago.
Corn is grown everywhere on earth except Antarctica.
There are about 800 kernels per ear of corn.
Corn plants are generally 8-10 feet tall, however, sweet corn plants are usually a foot or two shorter.
Corn contains vitamins C and A, as well as thiamine, potassium and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and is high in fiber. And, it’s a whole grain!
An ear of corn contains about 80 calories.
A corn plant contains 3 ears of corn, typically.
Because of the starch content, sweet corn should be eaten soon after harvest – or else it can get hard and chewy. If you have to store it, do it in a cool spot.
Corn’s scientific name is Zea Mays Saccarata or Zea Mays Rugosa.
Only about 1 percent of the corn planted in the U.S. is sweet corn.
Outside of the U.S., many people call corn maize.
Corn can be used to make foods like cereal, sweetener, cooking oil and even fuel, paint and glue.

Did you learn anything new about sweet corn? Did we miss your favorite fact? Tell us about it!

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