Corn on the Cob

It's finally Corn on the cob season! Just about this time in July, corn on the cob becomes a main ingredient in many of our daily dinners. The season seems so short, that we don't seem to tire of having corn several nights throughout the week.

Did you ever wonder how corn grows? Here are some interesting facts on the growth of corn.

Sweet corn is pollinated by wind movement. Pollen is deposited at the tassels at the top of the corn stalk and drops onto each tip of the developing silks and corn cob. Each strand of silk gets pollinated by pollen dust from the tassels and each pollinated silk forms a kernel of corn on the ear. During the tassel stage, corn plants must receive adequate rainfall (or irrigation water) for the kernels and ears to form. This is the most critical period for corn development. During a drought, corn planted in rows will "pineapple", (that is curl up and resemble pineapple leaves) to conserve moisture.

So pray for rain so we don't have a "pineappling" corn crop.

Ways of cooking corn:

I am sure you have probably boiled your corn on the cob as a way of preparing it. But this summer why not give grilling a try. You don't need to have a gas grill or even a charcoal grill to prepare your corn in this fashion. A grill pan will work if that is all you have. Here are the steps for grilling corn:

1. Select corn that has plump kernels
2. Fill your kitchen sink with a few inches of water and submerge your corn still with the husk in tack into the water. Let is soak for about 10 minutes.
3. If you will be using your gas or charcoal grill, now is the time to prep the grill
4. After soaking corn for a minimum of 10 minutes, remove corn from the water and wrap them in a towel, to absorb excess water.
5. Place the corn on your grill and cook for 10 minutes, turning frequently to avoid over charring any one side of the husk
6. Remove corn from the grill.
7.You may want to have gloves on at this point, as the corn is hot. Remove the husk and silk from the corn.
8. Corn is now ready to eat.

For a new and delicious twist on buttered corn, trying this Lime Butter recipe.


LIME BUTTER

Serves 6

4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper


Directions
In a small bowl, beat together all ingredients until well blended.

Serve with hot corn on the cob