Easy ways to cook corn on the cob

•Health Benefits of Corn

We all know this is the season to enjoy corn. We all love to eat it. Most people enjoy eating it boiled or roasted while others add it to meals like beans. It is seasonal, so why not take a step further to cook and enjoy your corn.

Why not try corn on the cob? There is something special about this, served steaming hot and slathered in butter. Here are few ways to cook corn perfectly every time.

Remember, sweet and fresh corn waits for no one and it is best served the same day it is picked. With every subsequent day, the sugars in the kernels get more starchy and that mouthwatering flavour starts to fade.

 Boil It Up

Boiling is the classic way to prepare sweet corn. You can either use a wide, flat pan and lay the corn on its side, or use a taller stockpot to boil a big batch at once. Either way, fill the pan with enough water to cover the corn and bring it to a boil.

Shuck off the outer husk and silk from the corn. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in the water and add the corn. If your corn is very fresh, cook it for three to five minutes. For corn that’s a few days old, go for six to eight minutes.

Microwave It

If you are just cooking a few ears of corn for dinner and you don’t want to go through the trouble of boiling with a big pot of water. Leave the corn in their husks and microwave them two at a time on high for four to six minutes, depending on the age of your corn. Let them cool enough to handle and then strip off the husks and silk.

 Grill it

Roasting on the grill gives the corn a smoky flavour that is absolutely lovely. Peel back the husks, but leave them attached to the stem. Remove all the silk and then brush the corn with olive oil because butter can sometimes burn. Cover the corn back up with the husks and secure them closed with a piece of string or aluminum foil.

Roast the ears of corn over a medium-hot grill, turning occasionally, until the outer husks are charred and toasted. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Let the corn cool enough to handle, then remove the husks and eat.

Health Benefits of Corn

Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.

Rich source of calories: Corn is a rich source of calories and is a staple among dietary habits in many populations. The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100 grammes, which is among the highest for cereals

Reduces risk of hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer: The fibre content of one cup of corn amounts to 18.4 per cent  of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer due to corn being a whole-grain.

Rich source of vitamins: Corn is rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function.

Provides necessary minerals: Corn contains abundant minerals which positively benefit the bodies in a number of ways. phosphorous, along with magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper are found in all varieties of corn. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most normal diets..

Antioxidant properties: Corn is a rich source of antioxidants which fight cancer-causing free radicals. In fact, unlike many other foods, cooking actually increases the amount of usable antioxidants in sweet corn.

Protecting Your Heart: Corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, particularly, is the best way to increase heart health, and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination.

Prevents Anemia: Corn helps to prevent anemia caused by deficiency of these vitamins. Corn also has a significant level of iron, which is one of the essential minerals needed to form new red blood cells; a deficiency in iron is one of the main causes of anemia.

Vitamin-A Content: Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin.