Byte of Corn by Patty "Sassy" Knutson

[chefsassy]

Byte of Corn
By Patty "Sassy" Knutson

CORN

Corn is just one of those foods that most people love from their earliest years.  Sinking your teeth into those juicy corn kernels can make just about everyone shudder with joy. 

Corn is a cooling food, which makes it perfect for the warmer months. And summertime means corn on the cob is in season and at its sweetest.  There are so many ways to prepare corn on the cob, including grilling, boiling, roasting and steaming, and all of them allow you to enjoy this delectably scrumptious food with abandon.  Oh, be still my heart!

But before you begin to joyfully munch away on your corn on the cob, it might be fun for you to discover just how important it is for your good health.

IT'S TIME FOR A NUTRITIONAL QUICKIE!   

The most dense nutrient you'll find in corn is Thiamin, otherwise known as Vitamin B1.  In fact, one cup of corn provides nearly 1/4 of your daily recommended intake of this important vitamin.

How many times have you heard of a nutrient, but you have no clue what it is or what it does?

Thiamin helps your body convert carbohydrates to energy -- and couldn't we all use a bit more of that?  And you know all those amino acids you hear about?  They're dependent on thiamin in order to convert into protein, which is vital for all of your tissues, muscles, bones and blood cells.

(Can you guess which food group corn belongs to?  If you think it's a veggie, guess again.  *Answer below.)
Thiamin plays a major role in the functioning of your brain because it assists a neurotransmitter that's essential for memory -- a very important role, since a lack of this neurotransmitter (known as acetylcholine) has been shown to be a contributing factor in both senility and Alzheimer's disease.

Thiamine also helps with digestion and the functioning of your nervous system, and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Wow, who could have known just how important corn is to your good health?

And the best part is, corn provides one fourth of your daily value for thiamin in just one cup!  Yummy hoorays!

SELECTING YOUR CORN

Selecting your corn is a very hands-on experience and will help to put you in touch with this fantastic food you're about to enjoy.  Be sure to pull back the husk to view not only the corn kernels but the silk as well.  Avoid darkened silk, choosing instead silk which is light in color.  Then tear the husk down a little further to examine the kernels, puncturing one with your thumb nail to ensure it "pops" easily and emits a light, cloudy liquid, which will ensure the juicy factor is present for your corn on the cob feast! 

By the way, always choose organic corn since corn is one crop that is usually grown using Genetic Engineering.  (And speaking of, soy crops are usually grown in the same manner, so always choose organic soy products too.)

HOW TO GRILL CORN ON THE COB

There are many ways to prepare corn, but in the summertime the most sought after is grilled corn on the cob.  But many people shy away from this technique because they're unclear exactly how to achieve perfect results.

The easiest and most foolproof way to grill your corn on the cob is to completely remove the husks and silk. Prepare a spread for the corn -- which can be made with a base of oil (such as extra-virgin olive oil) or non-hydrogenated buttery spread (such as Earth Balance). Add any herbs, spices or favorite flavors you'd like.

Evenly spread over the ears of corn, wrap in foil, and place on grill. Poke holes all over the foil to allow any steam to escape. Cook, turning occasionally, until a fork poked through the foil yields tender corn (about 20-30 minutes). Unwrap the corn and check for doneness. If it's not as tender as you'd like, wrap the corn back up in the foil and grill for another 5 minutes.

Your corn will be ready to eat just as it is.  But what about those time when you want to create a delectable recipe with corn?  It's so very easy to create your own recipe from scratch using Corn's  "Vegan Flavor Matches".  All of these flavors match corn perfectly...

Vegan Flavor Matches
Avocado
Basil
Butter, non-dairy (I like Earth Balance)
Cayenne
Chiles, and Chili Pepper Flakes
Chives
Garlic
Ginger
Lemon
Lime
Onions
Pimento
Potatoes
Scallions
Tomatoes
Vinegar

Drooling yet?  I am!  Let's go make some corn on the cob!!

(Corn finds its home in the Grains food group!)
Follow this link to learn how to cook with Corn On The Cob, including how to Clean and Prep your corn, Cooking Techniques (can you believe there are 2 more corn grilling options alone?), a complete list of Vegan Flavor Matches, Helpful Hints, and Nutritional Information!

Happy cooking!


About the author:

Sassy is a Vegan Chef and Nutritional Consultant. 

Her website VeganCoach.com was created to marry these two loves, along with over a decade of vegan experience, by teaching her fellow vegans the secret to balanced vegan nutrition and easy vegan cooking without recipes.  Pop on in for a visit. 

Copyright © 2007 by Patty “Sassy” Knutson
All rights reserved.
No part of this article may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Thank you.