Sweet Corn

Did you know that an average ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows?

That ear of Florida sweet corn with all those kernels is a delicious and versatile vegetable, well technically it is a fruit! Here in Florida we are lucky because sweet corn can be grown most months except for the hottest parts of summer. The main sweet corn season is early March to the end of May and in 2016, farmers planted 42,500 acres.

Not only is sweet corn delicious but it is also good for you. Sweet corn is high in fiber, low in fat, a great source of essential nutrients and there are only about 80 calories per medium ear. Sweet corn also contains two important carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zanthin), relatives of vitamin A, that support eye health and may even have other disease-preventing properties.

The University of Florida has had a sweet corn breeding program since the late 1940’s and has provided the genetic background for many of the sweet corn varieties grown in Florida. Traditionally bred Super Sweet varieties have been bred to maintain their sweetness for up to 18 days after harvest. The taste and flavor of these super sweet varieties has led to an increased consumption of fresh sweet corn.

For more information visit:

https://sunshinesweetcorn.com/ Sunshine Sweet Corn Growers Association

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/corn.html UF/IFAS Extension