May through September is corn season.
May through September is corn season.
Harvest three ears of Super Sweet white corn for a best-buy 97 cents at Sack N Save, or two for $1 at Foodland. Three ears of yellow corn cost $1 at Safeway; two ears of California bi-colored corn are 88 cents at Daiei; and two ears of white corn sell for $1 at Star Markets.
Contrary to popular misconception, color does not dictate flavor: The variety does. Yellow corn will not necessarily be any sweeter than white corn. However, yellow corn contains beta carotene (vitamin A) and white corn does not. But both white and yellow corns are rich in potassium and in vitamins B and C.
Betty Fussell, author of two respected books on corn, says that it's a thankless task to try and tell people how to cook corn. "Personal rituals are like a religion with people," she said.
Nevertheless: Grill corn without soaking it first, which steams it. Put ears, with the husks on, on a hot grill for six to eight minutes, turning once, until the husks become somewhat charred. Or, to caramelize the corn sugar for a sweet, smoky taste, put husked ears on the grill, turning once, for three to six minutes.
To microwave corn, leave the husks on. At 700 watts, cook one ear for two minutes and two ears for five minutes. Adding any more ears will make cooking time longer than for boiling.
Fresh corn may not need any fat or seasoning at all. But if it does, try olive oil or fresh lime juice and chile pepper for grilled corn, and plain or flavored butter for boiled corn.
Round out the Memorial Weekend shopping list with best-buy watermelon at 18 cents a pound at Foodland and Sack N Save; 19 cents at Daiei and Star; 25 cents at Safeway, and 29 cents at IGA.
We've all "Made A" at one time or another. Send us your tale and if we print it we'll send you an I Made A T-shirt, designed by our graphics boys. Send it to us at:Making A, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96802, fax it to us at 523-8509 or send us e-mail to features@starbulletin.com. Please include your phone number or a way to contact you and your T-shirt size.
For any other story ideas or comments, write to Features, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96802 or send a fax to 523-8509 or E-mail to features@starbulletin.com. Please include your phone number.