Corn at a Glance
Scientific Name: Zea mays
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
In Season: Fresh corn is typically in season during the summer months but is available year-round in frozen and canned forms.
Varieties: Popular corn varieties include sweet corn (yellow, white, or bi-color), popcorn, and field corn, which is used for livestock feed and processed foods.
Great for: Grilled corn on the cob, salads, soups, casseroles, salsas, cornbread, and savory or sweet dishes. Corn pairs well with butter, herbs, cheese, and spices.
Corn Nutrition
Common Questions about Corn
Growing corn
Corn is typically ready to harvest about 60-100 days after planting, depending on the variety. You’ll know it’s ready when the silk at the top of the ear turns brown, and the kernels feel full and firm. To check, peel back a small section of the husk and press a kernel with your fingernail — if a milky liquid comes out, it’s ripe.
Purchased corn
When buying fresh corn, look for bright green, tightly wrapped husks with moist, golden silk. The kernels should feel plump and tightly packed when you gently squeeze the cob. Avoid husks that are dry, brown, or have visible mold.
Corn is one of the most adaptable vegetables and can be prepared in countless ways. Here are just a few:
- Grilled: Grill whole cobs with the husk on or off for a smoky, caramelized flavor. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt, herbs, or cheese for added flavor.
- Boiled or Steamed: A classic method! Boil or steam whole cobs for a tender, juicy bite.
- Roasted: Roast corn in the oven with olive oil and spices for a toasty, sweet flavor.
- Sautéed: Toss kernels in a skillet with butter, garlic, and herbs for a quick side dish.
- In Salads and Salsas: Raw or cooked corn adds a sweet crunch to salads, grain bowls, and salsas. Mix with tomatoes, avocado, and lime for a bright summer dish.
- Soups and Chowders: Sweet corn enhances the creaminess of chowders or adds texture to brothy soups.
- Baked Goods: Cornmeal made from dried corn is the base for cornbread, muffins, and tortillas.
For maximum sweetness and freshness, corn is best enjoyed as soon as possible after purchase. If storing, keep the husks on and place the corn in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This helps retain moisture and sweetness for up to 2-3 days. If you’ve removed the husks, wrap the corn in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.
Yes, corn freezes well, whether on the cob or as kernels. For best results:
- Blanch whole cobs or kernels in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
- Cool quickly in an ice bath.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Store in airtight freezer bags or containers.
Frozen corn can last up to 8-12 months and is perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles.
Corn is native to the Americas and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, it’s grown globally, with the United States being the largest producer. Corn thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. It’s commonly grown in the Midwest, but home gardeners can grow sweet corn during the summer in many regions with proper care.
What does corn taste like?
What does raw corn taste like?
Raw corn offers a crisp, juicy bite with a naturally sweet flavor. Fresh off the cob, raw corn kernels are tender and bursting with mild sweetness, making them perfect for salads, salsas, and cold pasta dishes. The sweetness of corn depends on the variety and how recently it was harvested—freshly picked sweet corn can be so flavorful that it doesn’t need cooking at all!
What does cooked corn taste like?
Cooking corn brings out its natural sweetness and softens the kernels, resulting in a juicy, buttery texture. Whether it’s grilled, boiled, roasted, or steamed, cooked corn develops a deeper, caramelized flavor, especially when charred slightly on the grill. It pairs well with savory seasonings like garlic, chili powder, lime, and cheese or sweet flavors like honey and cinnamon for a creative twist.
Our Products with Corn
Recipes with Corn
Mexican Street Corn Burger Sliders
Looking to spice up your sliders? It’s game time. Try adding the zesty sweetness of Mexican street corn on top of freshly grilled burgers. It’s comfort food made new: flavorful, crunchy, and exciting.
See Recipe
Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad
With our Chipotle Ranch Chopped Salad Kit, you’re already over halfway there to a spicy, smoky, entirely satisfying taco salad. Here’s what you’ll need for the rest of it (hint: grab some lean ground turkey).
See Recipe
BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Salad
It’s time to elevate the Taylor Farms Coleslaw Salad Kit from a humble side dish to the main star of the barbecue. And we know just the way to do it!
See Recipe
Street Corn and Chicken Tacos
This Street Corn and Chicken Tacos recipe combines two dishes that are already pretty perfect on their own. Chili lime chicken and our Mexican style street corn chopped salad are the stars here.
See Recipe
Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad
This protein-packed BBQ salad recipe does the unexpected, with shredded BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn over our BBQ Ranch Chopped Salad Kit.
See Recipe
Summer Spinach Salad with Grilled Corn, Strawberries and Feta
This summer spinach salad recipe uses grilled corn, strawberries, and feta. Top it with our recipe for the perfect honey dijon vinaigrette dressing.
See Recipe
Avocado Ranch Tostadas
Perfect as party hors d'oeuvres or as a fun meal, this Tostadas recipe features our Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit.
See RecipeStories with Corn
Cozy Comfort Foods and Easy One-Pot Dishes
Cozy up with some of our top picks for comforting meals and one-pot dishes, featuring an array of Taylor Farms products—from savory bread puddings to rich, veggie-packed soups and more.
Read More
Upgrade Your Holiday Classics with These Healthier Sides
Who says your treasured holiday roast can’t learn a few new tricks? This year, let tradition meet fresh inspiration! Keep the centerpieces the main course, but liven them up with healthier, veggie-centric sides that bring color, texture, and just the right amount of unexpected fun.
Read More
Back to School Made Easier with Taylor Farms
Get ready for back to school with Taylor Farms. Use our shortcuts to make your lunchbox prep faster, your after-school snacks healthier, and your dinners easier. Here’s to routine!
Read More
Meet Our New Chopped Salad Kits: Smoky Ranch, Zesty Italian, and Chipotle Ranch!
Surprise! We have three new and deliciously exciting Chopped Salad Kits to share with you. And we’re ready to give you all the tasty details.
Read More
Perfect Pasta Salads for Father’s Day Grilling
Celebrate Father’s Day with our tips and recipes for making the ultimate pasta salads. Grilling up a summer meal with family? The classic pasta salad won’t let you down!
Read More
7 Recipes for Your Next Memorial Day Event
Memorial Day, or any summer day, is the time to get the yard tidied up and the grill cleaned off! Read on for ways to serve up fresh meals all summer long. From Mango Lemonade Salad with Shrimp Skewers to Street Corn and Chicken Tacos, check out our best summer recipes.
Read More
How to Serve the Ultimate Salad
Serving the ultimate salad is easier than you may think. We’ve got all the tips and suggestions you need to put together a show stopping salad every time.
Read More
Easy Mother's Day Lunch Ideas with Taylor Farms
With Mother’s Day approaching, why not treat Mom to the memorable homemade lunch she deserves? Don’t worry about spending hours in the kitchen — we’ve got you covered with some delicious full-meal ideas based on our convenient Chopped Salad Kits that offer a perfect shortcut.
Read More
National Salad Month: Celebrate The World's Most Famous and Beloved Salad with Taylor Farms!
It’s National Salad Month! Time to celebrate our favorite month of the year by taking a look at five of the most beloved salads on the planet, exploring their origins, variations, and recipes.
Read More
Perfect Pairings: The Best Side Salads to Serve with Standard Meat Entrees
Need some help finding the perfect meat & salad pairing for some of our most popular Chopped Salad Kits? We’ve got plenty of tasty advice.
Read More
The Gold at the End of the Rainbow is Green! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (and Spring!) with These Favorites
There’s no greener time than spring and no greener holiday than St. Patrick’s Day. Get inspired with these green-colored dishes and Irish-inspired recipe ideas!
Read More
Big Bowls, Big Flavor: Meet Our New Value-Sized Salad Bowls
We’ve made family dinner even easier! Introducing Value-Sized Salad Bowls that serve three people and complement any entree. Everything’s included—even the bowl to serve it in! Meet our Salad Bowl options here.
Read More
Get to Know Taylor Farms’ Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Salad Kits
Get a closer look at the full collection of our Chopped Salad Kit options that meet the criteria of being dairy-free or gluten-free — or even both!
Read More
Eat More Vegetables with Veggie-Forward Routines
Looking for healthier routines that include more veggies? We’ve got some great ideas for how you can include more vegetables in your meals and snacks—and the Taylor Farms products that can help make it all a little easier (and tastier!).
Read More
Costco Haul: Prep for Your Next Dinner Party
Prepare for an incredible Costco shopping spree! With these fantastically convenient finds, you can effortlessly host a delightful dinner party for six or more guests.
Read More
Fall into Autumn with These Limited Time Taylor Farms Products (and Recipe Ideas!)
Fall is almost here! Celebrate the comforting flavors of fall with our renowned seasonal salads and view some of our favorite recipes that are Taylor-made for the autumn season.
Read More Celebrate Labor Day by Letting Taylor Farms do (Most of) the Work
Give summer a proper send-off! Wow the guests at your Labor Day festivities (and minimize your own labor) with these uniquely fresh grill-centric recipes featuring a handy assist from select Taylor Farms products.
Read More
How to Build a Filling Dietitian-Approved Salad Packed with Nutrients
Boring salads are out and hearty salads are in! As a registered dietitian, I know how to build a salad with the right ingredients at an affordable price. Read about my four-step, #RDapproved formula for building a salad with staying power to give you the energy and nutrients you need.
Read More
Organic Salads Galore! Meet 6 of Our Faves
Do you love organic foods? Want to save time with pre-packaged salad kits? Our organic salad kits are deliciously fresh and pesticide free. Read about our favorites, including Organic Honey Citrus and Organic Avocado Ranch.
Read More
Our Favorite Vegetable Side Dishes for the Holidays
The holiday season means lots of entertaining and cooking for family and friends. Make it easy by exploring some of our favorite side dishes, like the Spiced Apple Chopped Salad Kit, as well as great recipes with squash, sweet potatoes, and more.
Read MoreExplore More Vegetable Facts
