If you live in Iowa, you likely love corn on the cob. However, not all corn grown in Iowa is the sweet corn we all enjoy.
Did you know that 99% of corn grown in Iowa is “field corn” which is used to make fuel, feed, food and thousands of other everyday products? Only 1% is the sweet corn we love.
In an average year, Iowa produces more corn than most countries! During the past years, Iowa corn farmers grew 2.7 billion bushels of corn on 13.5 million acres of land.
Other fun facts:
Iowa has approximately 87,500 farms.
Corn is grown in every continent except Antarctica
One acre of corn is about the size of a football field
Do you know which corn is sweeter? Yellow or white?
Though some people believe that yellow corn is sweeter, that's not the case. The only difference is that the naturally occurring pigment that makes those kernels yellow, beta carotene, gives them a bit of a nutritional edge over white corn. Beta carotene turns into vitamin A during digestion.
Need a new way to eat your corn on the cob?
Here are 6 ways to “dress up” your corn on the cob:
- Maple-Mustard
- Brush corn with olive oil. Combine ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and a pinch of allspice. Spread mixture on hot, cooked corn.
- Mexican Corn
- Lightly coat with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and chili powder. Spritz with fresh lime juice as desired.
- Barbecue Glazed
- Brush corn with olive oil and grill. Combine ¼ cup barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons honey and ¼ teaspoon coarse salt. Baste corn with mixture during the last 3 minutes of grilling.
- Honey-Butter
- Combine 1 stick softened butter with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons honey. Spread on hot, cooked corn.
- Bacon-Cheddar
- Spread mayonnaise on warm corn. Roll in grated cheddar cheese and top with crumbled, cooked bacon.
- Cinnamon & Sugar
- Coat corn with softened butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture
Want something even sweeter?
Try out this sweet corn ice cream recipe. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Sweet Corn Ice Cream Recipe:
https://www.baking-sense.com/2016/08/07/sweet-corn-ice-cream/
Have a great rest of your summer, stay safe and enjoy your corn on the cob!
