National Corn on the Cob Day

National Corn on the Cob Day: A Kernel of Summer’s Best on June 11th

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s one summer staple that stands tall in gardens and on picnic tables alike: corn on the cob. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, corn on the cob is a seasonal delight that’s hard to beat. And what better time to celebrate this golden treat than on National Corn on the Cob Day, June 11th? Whether you’re a fan of grilling, boiling, or baking, this day is all about enjoying corn in its most iconic form. Let’s dive into the buttery, salty world of corn on the cob and uncover some tips and tricks to make your celebration pop! 🌽🎉

The Simple Joy of Corn on the Cob:

Corn on the cob is as much a summer tradition as pool parties and fireworks. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in its simplest form with just butter and salt, or dressed up with a myriad of seasonings and toppings. Plus, it’s a communal food, often shared around a table with family and friends, making every bite a moment to savor.

Celebrating National Corn on the Cob Day

• Corn Fest: Host a backyard barbecue or picnic and make corn on the cob the star of the show. Offer a variety of butters, seasonings, and toppings for guests to customize their cobs.
• Corn Cooking Challenge: Challenge yourself and your friends to try different methods of cooking corn on the cob – boil, grill, bake, or even microwave. Share your results and favorite methods.
• Local Corn Hunt: Visit your local farmers’ market to find the freshest ears of corn. Often, you can discover different varieties that aren’t available in stores.
• Corn Crafts: For families, corn husks can be used for crafts. Make corn husk dolls or decorations as a fun activity with kids.

How to Make Corn on the Cob – Tips and Tricks:

• Boiling: For perfectly boiled corn, don’t overdo it. Drop the corn into boiling, salted water, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until tender.
• Grilling: Soak your corn (husk on) in water for about an hour before grilling to prevent the husks from burning. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the silks from the corn but keep the husks on, or wrap each ear in aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes.
• Microwaving: An often overlooked method, microwaving corn on the cob is quick and easy. Simply place an unhusked cob in the microwave and cook on high for about 4-5 minutes.

Seasoning Ideas Beyond Butter:

• Mexican Street Corn: Slather your corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
• Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with your favorite herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro.
• Spicy Corn: Create a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Sweet Corn: Brush with honey or maple syrup for a sweet glaze after grilling.

National Corn on the Cob Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of summer’s simplest pleasures. Whether you’re experimenting with cooking methods, trying new seasonings, or sticking to the classic butter and salt, there’s no wrong way to enjoy corn on the cob. So gather your friends, fire up the grill (or pot, or oven, or microwave), and let’s make a toast to the quintessential taste of summer. Happy National Corn on the Cob Day! 🌽☀️