June 11 - National Corn On The Cob Day

Happy National Corn On The Cob Day! As we approach the first day of summer, June 11 marks the calendar to celebrate this corny day each year.  

 

Fresh corn on the cob is a summertime treat people from all corners of the United States look forward to as we start the picnic season. 

The culinary term used for a cooked ear of freshly picked maize from a cultivar of sweet corn. 

Sweet corn is the most common variety of maize eaten directly off the cob. The ear is picked while the endosperm is in the "milk stage" so that the kernels are still tender. 

In different regions of the country, corn on the cob is known as pole corn, cornstick, sweet pole, butter-pop, sweet corn, or long maize. Picking the corn when the kernels are tender and in its milk stage serves up sweeter kernels.  

Boiling, steaming, roasting, and grilling are the most common ways to prepare corn on the cob. When grilling or roasting sweet corn, the husks may be left on to retain moisture and flavor during the cooking process.  

While it might seem rude, proper dinner etiquette for eating corn says holding the cob at each end with your fingers is appropriate. Serving corn on the cob with other seasonings, butter or oils can add even more flavor. 

Sure, you can load up that juicy corn on the cob with butter and other high-calorie toppings. However, one plain ear of corn has about one hundred calories, similar to an apple. 

On June 10, we celebrated National Herbs and Spices Day. Anything you learned while celebrating that day can also be applied while enjoying your corn on the cob! Consider roasting your sweet corn with a little cilantro and chili pepper. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

As the flavor of fresh corn on the cob calls to us, get the butter and the salt shaker ready. The time is ripe to invite friends and family for grilling and that includes corn on the cob.  

Add corn on the cob to your favorite seafood boil. Whether it’s spice or mild, the sweet corn will be a crowd-pleaser.  

Even those who prefer corn off the cob can celebrate by slicing off those kernels. Use #CornOnTheCobDay on social media and tell the world! 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® is researching the origins of this a-maize-ing summertime food holiday. 

How do you like your corn on the cob? 

#CornOnTheCobDay

@IowaCorn 

@nichecinema