Sweet corn - Kānga
Corn or maize came from the American continent but is now grown throughout the world.
In grain form, maize is the staple diet for American Indians in Mexico, Peru and Southern North America. A sweet version of maize was developed, resulting in the name sweet corn, and it became a popular fresh vegetable in the 1960s. Several varieties are available; some with white kernels and others with a mix of yellow and white kernels. Varieties differ in sweetness, and recently super-sweet varieties have become available.
What to look for
Choose sweet corn with fresh green husks and soft yellow to light brown tassels - the darker the tassels, the riper the sweet corn. The kernels should be plump, pale and tightly arranged. The kernels darken as the sweet corn matures. Varieties vary in sweetness and colour – yellow and white and sometimes bi-coloured. There is no consistent relationship between colour and sweetness, but the darker the colour the greater presence of carotenoids.
Availability
Fresh available: December to April
New Zealand frozen available: all year
Store
efrigerate in paper bags and use as soon as possible.
How to prepare
Remove husk and tassels, trim ends, cut as required. Boil: place the cob in boiling water and by the time the water has returned to boiling the corn will be cooked. Overcooking makes the corn kernels tough. Grill: wrap corn in aluminium foil blanch and refresh first. Barbecue: leave husk on. Microwave: leave husk on, and depending on the microwave's power, each cob takes 2-3 minutes on 100%. Cool before removing the husk and tassels. Kernels: To remove kernels from a raw or cooked cob, use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the kernels and use in salads and other savoury dishes.
Ways to eat
Eat cooked on the cob or stir fry kernels with a little butter or oil. Use kernels in corn fritters, or add to salads.
Cooking methods
Boil, steam, microwave, grill, stir fry (kernels).
Nutrition
Sweet corn is a source of dietary fibre, folate and niacin and contains a dietary significant amount of potassium. Phytonutrients include carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are of particular interest due to their association with eye health. Phenolic compounds, namely phenolic acids, are also present
Nutrition table
| SWEET CORN | Raw | |||
| Nutrition Information | ||||
| Serving Size: 75g | ||||
| Average Quantity | % Daily Intake per serve | Average Quantity | ||
| per serving | per 100g | |||
| Energy (kJ) | 290 | 3 | 386 | |
| Protein (g) | 2.7 | 5 | 3.6 | |
| Fat, total (g) | 1.4 | 2 | 1.8 | |
| - saturated (g) | 0.33 | 1 | 0.44 | |
| Available carbohydrate (g) | 10 | 3 | 13.3 | |
| - sugars (g) | 5.7 | 6 | 7.6 | |
| Dietary Fibre (g) | 3.1 | 10 | 4.1 | Source |
| Sodium (mg) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Folate (µg) | 27 | 14% RDI* | 36 | A source of folate |
| Niacin (mg) | 1.65 | 16% RDI* | 2.2 | A source of niacin |
| Potassium (mg) | 225 | 300 | Contains potassium | |
| Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ | ||||
| Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs. | ||||
| *Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult) | ||||
| Source: New Zealand Food Composition Database online accessed May 2024 | ||||
Retailing
Sweet corn is highly perishable. Display under refrigeration. Buy quantities that can be sold quickly. Do not remove the husk, except perhaps one or two for display, as this provides good protection from dirt and dehydration. Prepack in plastic bags. Use QR code on labels.
Store at 0ºC with a relative humidity of 90-100%. sweet corn is ethylene sensitive so store separately from ethylene producing fruit and vegetables.
Purchase sweet corn with the New Zealand GAP logo.