By Shelby Morrison
Biting into sweet, juicy corn is one of the pleasures of summer. Corn is currently in season and at its peak deliciousness. Fresh corn from the local farmers’ market should be on every grocery list and menu this August. There are a variety of different ways to eat corn than just off the cob, slathered in butter. Although that may be quite tasty, consider surprising your customers with this ingredient in some unexpected ways.
Salad
Corn can easily be cut off the cob and into individual kernels. It can then be tossed into any kind of salad to add a unique sweetness. Combine it with other in-season produce such as tomatoes, peas and even peaches for a fresh summer salad.
Cornbread
Cornbread can be eaten sweet or savoury and is the perfect accompaniment to your summer BBQ meal. Slathered in butter, this can easily be eaten as an appetizer or a side dish and will really impress your hungry customers.
Ice cream
While corn is usually considered savoury, switch things up a bit and try making a sweet dish. Since corn is naturally sweet, it is the perfect addition to your dessert menu. When combined with cream and sugar, corn can be thrown into the ice cream mix for a sweet and refreshing treat. Feel free to leave it as is, or add in other fresh produce such as blueberries.
On the cob
This may be how you are used to eating corn, but instead of just a plain cob, there are many variations that can be created. Whether you go the Mexican route with cotija cheese and lime juice or decide to indulge with some bacon wrapped corn, the ideas are endless.
Salsa
Salsa is pretty much a summer staple and is great for entertaining a crowd. While served with tortilla chips, it is a fantastic way to hold your customers over while waiting for the main course. Corn off the cob can be made into a salsa fresca by combining fresh corn, onion, tomato and cilantro.
Your customers will be thankful for the unique takes on corn and will maybe even get ideas for their own meals and BBQs at home. Sweet, succulent corn really is the perfect addition to any meal this summer.
Photo courtesy of Jeff_W_Brooktree.
