It's the Season of Sweet Corn

Summer is almost here and so are summer rites of passage, with barbecues and sweet corn on top of the list.

Sweet corn is grown all over the world, but the U.S. is considered a leading grower, producing more than 35 percent of the world’s corn. In the US, Florida, California and Washington are the top corn-growing states.

In California, sweet corn is in season from May to October, with June and July being its peak months. Patch found three varieties at the last Sunday.

First of the Season

Most sweet corns in the U.S. are hybrids or a blend of two or more varieties, like the bi-color corn. The bi-color corn, which usually has 80 percent yellow kernels and 20 percent white kernels, was plentiful at the Sunterra Produce booth.

Priced at $1 each or three for $2, employee Salvador Quintana swears that their corn was “the sweetest of all sweet corns.”

According to Quintana, their corn is usually picked in late April to May. The crops picked later in the summer are generally sweeter.

The Brawley-based grower also had yellow corn in abundance. This sweet corn variety has larger, fuller-flavored kernels than white corn.

White corn has smaller and sweeter kernels, according to Mercedes Ayala of Ayala Farms. At their farmers market booth, the white corn advertised at $2 each was priced a little higher than other vendors.

“As summer starts and the supply increases, we expect the price to go down a bit,” said Ayala, whose family owns the Oxnard-based farm.

Sweet Corn Enjoyment

A member of the grass family, sweet corn is best eaten fresh like most vegetables, said Ayala. Corn-on-the-cob is the easiest and most common way to enjoy this summer delight.

In addition, it can also be sautéed and added to salsas and various types of cold salads.

Ayala recommends, when buying, poke one of the kernels at the tip. Juice should squirt out. If not, it usually means the corn is old.

Ideally, sweet corn should be full or almost filled to the tip with bright and shiny kernels, with straight rows of kernels. The husks should appear fresh and bright green. The silk ends of the corn should be free of decay or damage, said Ayala.

The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.