Skelly Sweet Corn

In 1989, we planted four rows of sweet corn around our house so our family could enjoy fresh sweet corn, and we sold the extra corn. We now grow over 70 acres (1 acre is about the size of a football field) of fresh, homegrown sweet corn. But just because the quantity has increased does not mean the quality has decreased. All of our corn is still hand picked fresh every morning.

The problem with sweet corn is that as soon as it is picked, the sugars and flavor inside the corn begins to break down. This is why southern grown corn does not have the same taste. Since the corn is not as fresh it has already lost some flavor.

Varieties of corn that are typically shipped in from other parts of the country are known as "Super Sweets." This name is a deceiving name given to corn to make is sound better than it really is. Super Sweets are developed to last a long time on the shelf without losing as much flavor. However, this usually causes the corn to have less original flavor and creates a tougher kernel of corn. While our corn is extremely sweet and tasty, it is not of the Super Sweet family. We instead grow a kind of corn called "Sugar Enhanced." Because this corn does not need a shelf life of a number of days, this corn tends to have more flavor than corn in the Super Sweet family.

Finally, do not be fooled by the color of the corn. Both the yellow and the yellow and white varieties can be Super Sweet or Sugar Enhanced. Taste is dependent on the type of corn and how fresh it is, not the color.

Tips to keeping your corn fresh

• When selecting your corn do not open up the husks on the corn. If you feel the need to check the corn, watch for a trend. If the first few ears are all good, then you probably do not need to open any other ears. If you feel you must check each ear, pull back as little husk as possible and carefully push the top closed when finished. Remember, we always give you 13 ears to the dozen just in case you receive a less than perfect ear of corn.
• If you will not be eating your corn immediately, place it in a paper grocery bag in the refrigerator. This will slow down the break down of sugars.
• Try to eat any corn the same day as you buy it. The fresher it is, the better it will taste.