July/August
2012
Minnesota
corn is now coming to local markets and it is absolutely delicious. It is a New
World vegetable that made its way around the world with the sixteenth century
Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English spice traders. Here was a delicious
vegetable found in the land that Columbus ran into on his voyage to India and
that was initially settled by pioneers from Holland, England, Spain and
Portugal. Corn became popular wherever it landed and today many countries
around the world consider corn an important crop.
But
this is where it all started. Native Americans showed the Pilgrims how to grow
corn that helped them survive those difficult early years in this new land. It
may have even saved them from starvation. Corn can be boiled, roasted, grilled,
dried, popped, ground and preserved for use in the winter. But, this time of
year, either simply simmer fresh corn in a milk/water bath for a sweet, corn
flavor, grill it for a smoky flavor or stir-fry it for a tasty dish.
Boiled Corn
The
secret here is milk and sugar, and just-picked corn on the cob. Vendors at
farmers markets often pick their corn early in the morning and bring it
straight to the market. If you can’t go into the fields to pick your own (and
you can on some farms) ask the vendor when the corn was picked. Take it home
and immediately refrigerate it, husk and all. Later in the day half-fill a
large pot half-filled with water and bring it to a boil. Just before adding the
corn, add 1/2-cup milk and 1/2 teaspoon sugar….no salt. Add the corn-on-the-cob
that has been cleaned of its husks and silk, bring it back to a low boil, cover
and simmer for 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes
or up to an hour. Remove the corn and serve warm with butter, salt and pepper.
Leftover corn can be wrapped and frozen on the cobs, then reheated in the
microwave or remove the kernels, add a little of the milk broth and freeze in
containers. The corn will retain its flavor for several months.
India’s Grilled
Corn Street Vendors
When
we think of the food of India we tend to think in terms of curries, tandoor
chicken and bread. But that is only part of India’s amazing array of dishes
especially when it comes to vegetables. One of the most popular street foods in
India is grilled corn. Here the silk and husk are removed and the
corn-on-the-cob is grilled over hot coals until it has areas of browned kernels
among the bursting yellow kernels. It is then rubbed with a fresh lime wedge
and rolled in sea salt for an absolutely delicious snack-on-the-run! Healthful,
too. But, that is just the beginning. The corn can also be rubbed with the lime
wedge, then rolled in a variety of flavorings such as coarsely chopped mint
leaves, ground coriander, freshly ground white pepper, or minced cilantro. Pick
you favorite combination.
Leftover Corn
Chinese Style
The
Chinese have been particularly adept at finding ways of using corn and combine
it with salted peanuts and chilies for an interesting stir-fry. Start with a
cup of Spanish peanuts without the skins, gently stir-fry in 2 tablespoons oil
for about 3 minutes, remove and set aside. To the oil still in the pan add one
small chili, seeded and chopped, stir-fry for about 1 minute and add 2 cups
cooked corn kernels. Season to taste, stir-fry for a minute to heat the corn
and add the peanuts. Stir-fry for another minute and serve. It is hot and
crunchy with plenty of corn flavor. And it is a very colorful dish. Not your
ordinary Minnesota corn.
The
freshest corn is in farmers’ markets, but do ask when it was picked. You can
also pick your own corn at farms around the state or stop by their roadside
stands where the pick-of-the-day is often available at low cost. For a free
guide to every one of them go online at www.minnesotagrown.com
or call 651-201-6050 for the free 2012 Minnesota Grown directory. It is
published by the Minnesota Department of Agricultural and continues to grow
each year with more and more resources from vineyards with wine tasting, to
pick-your-own vegetables and fruit, to farm visits for the whole family. Don’t’
miss the best of Minnesota this summer. Enjoy homegrown everything!!
