Sweet Corn
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  • A member of the grass family.
  • Kernels or seeds are a milky pulp enclosed in a skin and grow on the cob.
  • Sweet corn are hybrids of maize that were selected for their high sugar content.
  • Cob is covered by layers of fibrous husks.
  • The plant is upright and leafy and can grow up to 2m in height.
  • Shallow but extensive, fibrous root system.
  • A single cluster of male flowers (tassel) grows at the top of the plant.
  • Female flowers are the ‘silks’ which grow halfway up the stalk.

Sweet corn is a warm weather crop. It is sensitive to frost, but can be grown in a wide range of climates. Well drained sandy soils are essential. Sweet corn is planted from seed and has a high water requirement, particularly during the early growth period, at tasselling and up to harvest.

Corn is the only cereal known to have originated in America. Sweet corn and maize are from the same family, though corn can be distinguished from common maize by its high sugar content in the milk stage and by its wrinkled and translucent kernels when dry.

Botanical Name: Zea mays var. rugosa (Gramineae)

Alternative Names: Corn

Health Benefits

An excellent source of vitamin C, a good source of dietary fibre, folic acid and phosphorus, a useful source of thiamine and niacin.

100g of sweet corn yields the following:

  • Calories – 86
  • Total Carbs – 6% of DV
  • Protein – 3.22g
  • Dietary Fibre – 11% of DV
  • Vitamin A – 4% of DV
  • Vitamin C – 11% of DV
  • Iron – 3% of DV

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Selecting tips

Select sweet corn with a fresh husk. Kernels should be plump, shiny and fairly straight.
Remove husks and silky threads and cut off base. Cook by boiling, steaming, microwaving or barbecuing. Corn can also be used in fritters, soups and relishes.

Storage: Store for a short time in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper.

Delicious Sweet Corn Recipes