Summer Corn

Ashdown, Ark. –

Corn is another vegetable that most people enjoy eating. Corn is a summer vegetable and perfect for grilling season. The average ear of corn has 800 kernels arranged in 16 rows. Pick corn that has green husks, fresh silks and tight rows of kernels. You can usually feel the kernels through the husks to make sure they are full.  Refrigerate corn with husks on and use within 1-2 days.  On average one medium size ear of corn has 90 calories, 2 g fat, 18 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber and 4 grams of protein. Corn is naturally low fat, saturated fat free, sodium free, and cholesterol free.

There are many ways to enjoy corn besides just fresh off the cob. You can add corn to soup or guacamole with corn, diced tomatoes and avocado. You can add corn kernels to your cornbread for a little more crunch. Add corn to your taco salad for a sweet flavor. You can microwave an ear of corn for lunch by opening the husk without removing the leaves. Remove the silk and wash the corn. Close the leaves around the corn and microwave for 1-2 minutes until kernels are fork tender. You can also dress up your corn by sprinkling the cob with a little parmesan cheese or chili powder for a new flavor.

AVOCADO AND GRILLED CORN DIP

Ingredients:
Grilled corn kernels cut from one corn cob (3/4 cup)
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped (1 ¾ cup – 2 cups)
¼ cup diced red onion
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (2 tbsp)
1 small avocado, chopped
½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cumin
2 tbsp lime juice
½ - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and toss until mixed. Refrigerate until served. Best if served within 1 hour. Serves 6.

Call me at the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu for more information on corn or corn recipes.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
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By Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough, MS, RD, LD
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.