What To Know
- Roast the ears in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Ontario’s sweet corn season is a time to savor the taste of summer.
- Remove the husks and silks and wrap the ears in a damp paper towel before refrigerating for up to 3 days.
Ontario’s sweet corn season is a highly anticipated time of year, offering a taste of summer’s sweetness. The question on everyone’s mind is: when is sweet corn ready in Ontario?
Sweet Corn Season in Ontario
Sweet corn season typically begins in late July and extends into September. The exact timing depends on the weather conditions, with warmer seasons resulting in earlier harvests.
How to Tell if Sweet Corn is Ready
To determine if sweet corn is ready for harvesting, look for the following signs:
- Tassels: The tassel at the top of the cornstalk should be brown and dry.
- Silks: The silks around the ears should be brown and slightly dry, and they should pull away easily from the cob.
- Kernels: The kernels should be plump and milky when squeezed.
Where to Find Sweet Corn in Ontario
Sweet corn is widely available in Ontario during the season. You can find it at:
- Farmers’ markets
- Roadside stands
- Supermarkets
- Community gardens
How to Choose the Best Sweet Corn
When selecting sweet corn, look for ears that are:
- Bright green: The husk should be a vibrant green color.
- Tightly wrapped: The husks should be tightly wrapped around the ear.
- Free of blemishes: Avoid ears with any signs of damage, such as cuts or bruises.
Storing Sweet Corn
To store sweet corn, remove the husks and silks. Wrap the ears in a damp paper towel and place them in the refrigerator. Sweet corn can be stored for up to 3 days.
Cooking Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Boiling: Boil the ears in water for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Grilling: Grill the ears over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly charred.
- Roasting: Roast the ears in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Microwaving: Microwave the ears for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a good source of:
- Vitamin C
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Folate
Final Note: Savor the Sweetness of Ontario Corn
Ontario’s sweet corn season is a time to savor the taste of summer. By following these tips, you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful sweet corn all season long.
What You Need to Know
Q: When is sweet corn season in Ontario?
A: Sweet corn season typically begins in late July and extends into September.
Q: How can I tell if sweet corn is ready?
A: Look for brown and dry tassels, brown and slightly dry silks, and plump and milky kernels.
Q: Where can I find sweet corn in Ontario?
A: Sweet corn is widely available at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, supermarkets, and community gardens.
Q: How do I choose the best sweet corn?
A: Select ears that are bright green, tightly wrapped, and free of blemishes.
Q: How do I store sweet corn?
A: Remove the husks and silks and wrap the ears in a damp paper towel before refrigerating for up to 3 days.
Q: How can I cook sweet corn?
A: Sweet corn can be boiled, grilled, roasted, or microwaved.
Q: What are the nutritional benefits of sweet corn?
A: Sweet corn is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate.
