Preparing Corn on the Cob
One of the things I always look forward to during summer is the abundance of fresh corn in the supermarket. Huge bins of the produce are set in the middle of the fresh food section in our local grocery. I often see people standing by these bins, patiently dehusking the ears of corn before putting them in bags to check-out. The husks are then tossed in the provided containers alongside the bins.
I think there ought to be a sign along the bins that says “Remove husk from corn just before cooking”. We always peel bananas just before we eat them, right? Why not corn? The husks actually provide a useful purpose. They keep the kernels fresh and moist. My mom, who used to work for a corn research company, always said corn tastes sweetest immediately after harvesting. The next best thing is to keep them in their natural environment as long as possible.
The corn-in-the-husk takes just a little more room and weight in the grocery cart. But the fresher taste makes up for it. Besides, simply putting the ears in your bag saves you time at the store.
Another tip, from the Joy of Cooking, is not to put salt in your boiling water when cooking corn. Salt toughens the kernels.
Tags: cooking corn, corn on the cob, housekeeping, homemaking
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POSTED IN: Cooking
2 opinions for Preparing Corn on the Cob
Rebecca
Jun 25, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Great tip! Not to mention, there are some great recipes for grilling corn while they are still in the husks. It also makes a great craft for kids to make corn husk dolls. I made tons of these dolls growing up from left over husks from our garden. If you clean them and dry them really well first, they make great little craft hierloom gifts as well.
Maricar
Jun 25, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Oh, I love grilled corn! They can be grilled with the husks removed too. So yummy! Thanks for the tips about making crafts from the husks, Rebecca. :)
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