Corn is a starchy vegetable high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and relatively low in fat and protein. A medium ear of sweet corn or half a cup of kernels contains 77-100 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates. How do you choose corn?
Experts advise looking at the silks, or “silky hair,” at the top of the cob to determine if it’s fresh: Corn silks should be golden brown and slightly moist, almost tacky. When corn is pollinated, the silks will dry up, turn brownish, and fall off. If the silks are dark, curled up, and falling out, it indicates that pollination has occurred. The kernels may remain unfertilized if the silks are still yellow-green and growing.
Corn begins to turn its sugar into starch as soon as it’s picked, and the process accelerates over time. Less sugar means the corn is less sweet and tender.
Central Farm Markets in Bethesda, MA, is one of the largest farmers markets in the region with over 100 vendors and artisan food producers year-round. The market is open year-round and features table seating, music, local Maryland winery and farm brewery tastings, kids club activities, chef demos, and more.