How to Cook Corn on the Cob - Simple Cooking Techniques
Corn: A Brief History
Corn has been a staple of the American diet longer than we have called this land America. The most important cultivated plant in the western hemisphere, most historians agree that corn was domesticated in the Tehuacan Valley of Mexico. Corn grain pollen roughly 80,000 years old has been found buried 200 feet under Mexico City, and corncobs almost 6,000 years old have been found in caves in New Mexico. Although modern domesticated corn bears little resemblance to the wild maize grown throughout the Americas thousands of years ago, it is still a tasty, versatile and nutritious food.
How To Roast or Grill Corn
Nothing says summer like an ear of sweet corn, bought fresh from the local farmers market and prepared simply. And for a mere 77 calories, 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and only 1 gram of fat, there is no need to feel guilty about going back for seconds. And learning how to cook corn on the cob is easy, with several different cooking methods available.
Although corn kernels are often removed from the cob for cooking, the easiest way to prepare corn is on the cob in its husk. Peel back the husk, remove the silk and replace the husk before cooking. Soak the corn in cold water for roughly ten minutes to add more liquid to help the steaming process and prevent the husk from catching on fire.Simply toss the corn on the grill, or roast it in your oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. The corn steams itself in its husk for a delicious flavor and tender kernels.
You can also shuck the corn and roast it directly on the grill for a smoky taste. Add seasonings, like fresh lime juice or cilantro, and wrap in aluminum foil before grilling to give the corn a new flavor profile. Skip the butter though. At 100 calories per tablespoon and 7 grams of saturated fat, it turns a healthy vegetable into a high calorie, high fat vegetable dessert.
How to Steam or Boil Corn
For stovetop cooking, shuck the corn by removing the husk and the silk, and cook it in a pot of water on the stove top. Simply place your clean corn in the pot, cover with cold water and turn on the heat. When the water starts to boil, the corn is cooked. This is also a very energy efficient way to cook. Instead of boiling the water first, the corn temperature rises with the water, cookingly slowly and evenly.
If you are in a rush, corn on the cob can be microwaved in 5 minutes. Place the ears in a microwave-safe dish, add 1/4 cup of water and cover the top of the dish with plastic wrap. Remember to leave a corner unsealed for venting the steam. Never add salt to the cooking water, as it will make the corn tough.
How to Purchase Corn
Enjoy the bright taste of corn all summer. It is in season from May through September in most parts of the country. Look for snug rows of corn kernels covered in a tight vibrant green husk. Cook the corn within two days of purchase to ensure freshness. Perfectly cooked corn on the cob is delicious and nutritious!