The summer season is upon us and with that brings cookouts, parties, and fun! It is an anticipated time of the year for both children and adults alike. For many, corn on the cob is a staple dish at any dinner or gathering throughout the summer months. Whether you eat it as a side or spice it up to be more your main dish, there is no comparing the delicious first taste of corn on the cob. Corn on the cob can be quite simple to cook. However, there are a few different ways it can be prepared, all yielding their own benefits. Take a look at the following ways to prep and serve your favorite summer vegetable:
Grill
One way to cook corn on the cob is to grill it. This can be quite convenient for summer cookouts when the grill is likely already fired up. For best results, the grill should be set to medium-high heat. Leave the husks on the corn and place the corn cobs on the grill, closing the lid. Rotate corn every few minutes until all sides are browned. Next, set aside to cool. Use caution when shucking the corn, as it will be very hot. You can also cover the corn cobs with aluminum foil, which is recommended when grilling corn in a fire pit.
Boil
Boiling corn is a great solution for those who need to cook several ears at a time and may be busy entertaining. Once the corn is shucked, drop the ears into a large four-quart container of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt or sugar to the water if you’d like. Corn should be cooked for about 5 minutes. You can then take the pot off the burner and let the corn sit until it is ready to be served.
Steam
Similar to boiling corn, steamed corn will require a large stockpot. Fill the bottom of the pot with one to two inches of water, then place the unhusked corn in vertically. Once the water has come to a boil, cover with a lid and let sit for about 20 minutes. Make sure an inch of water remains at the bottom, and refill as necessary. The corn can stay covered for about 30 minutes before it will need to be removed. Let the corn on the cob cool before shucking.
No matter how you like to cook it, corn on the cob is a summertime staple. Always try to buy fresh, local corn if available. It is best to cook corn on the same day you buy it. However, it can be refrigerated until you’re ready if need be. Experiment with different flavored kinds of butter and toppings, and enjoy this delicious treat while it is in season!