Corn Facts

Learn fun corn facts, how corn grows, how to choose and cook it, and easy ways kids can use corn in family recipes. This page includes a simple creamed corn recipe and more corn meal ideas.

Fun Corn Facts

Fresh corn is available in summertime.
Corn grows on a tall stalk in the garden.
Each ear of corn grows wrapped in husks.
Corn can be boiled, grilled, added to soup, or baked into bread.
Corn works in both side dishes and main meals.

How Corn Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Corn Is Available

Fresh corn is available in summertime.

How Corn Grows

Corn grows on a stalk in the garden.

What to Look for When Buying

Pick ears of corn with yellow or white kernels and inspect each ear before buying. Avoid corn with dark spots.

Storage Tips

Store corn in the fridge until ready to use.

Kid Tip: Corn is a great food for learning how husks, silk, and kernels all work together on one plant.

How to Cook Corn

Remove the husks and silks from the corn cob.
Boil the corn for 5 to 8 minutes in a large pot of water.
You can also grill corn in the husks for several minutes on an outdoor grill.

Cooking Tip: Boiling is simple for beginners, while grilling adds extra smoky flavor.

Mini Activity

Explore an Ear of Corn

Peel back the husk from an ear of corn.
Look at the silk and the rows of kernels.
Count how many rows you can find.
Talk about how the kernels are packed tightly together.

This is an easy way to connect garden food to what kids see on the dinner table.

Corn Nutrition Facts

Corn is high in vitamin B, fiber, vitamin C, and thiamin.

Corn is high in vitamin B.
It contains fiber.
It provides vitamin C.
It also contains thiamin.

More Food Fact Resources

Recipe

Creamed Corn

This simple creamed corn recipe is a creamy side dish that works well for family dinners and holiday meals.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen corn
1/2 package cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help measure ingredients, stir the corn, and watch how the cream cheese melts into the sauce.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe works with either fresh or frozen corn.
It makes a good holiday side dish, especially for Thanksgiving.

More Corn Ideas

Corn Chowder

Make a hearty corn soup with milk, potatoes, cheese, and bacon or ham.

Grilled Corn

Roll corn in a buttery cheese mixture and grill in foil.

Cornbread

Try adding corn into a loaf of cornbread.

Corn relish dip

Corn and tomato relish dip goes great with tortilla chips.

Grilled Corn

Mix softened butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Roll each corn cob in the butter mixture, wrap in foil, and have an adult grill for about 15 minutes.