What is Baby Corn?
Nearly everyone has fallen for the ruse of baby carrots, believing they were harvested when they were young, until they learned that they are made by whittling down mature carrots.
But, baby corn really is baby corn. These tiny, immature ears are harvested when they first form, weeks before they have had time to mature.
Baby corn is often pickled in jars of mixed veggies or served in stir-fries, but it can also be steamed, boiled or sauteed and served as a side dish. Don't expect robust, sweet corn flavor as baby corn has not had enough time to develop the characteristic corn flavor. Many enjoy the crisp, mild flavor of baby corn.
But, baby corn really is baby corn. These tiny, immature ears are harvested when they first form, weeks before they have had time to mature.
Baby corn is often pickled in jars of mixed veggies or served in stir-fries, but it can also be steamed, boiled or sauteed and served as a side dish. Don't expect robust, sweet corn flavor as baby corn has not had enough time to develop the characteristic corn flavor. Many enjoy the crisp, mild flavor of baby corn.
Interestingly, you can harvest baby corn from either dent (grain corn used to make cornmeal or for cooking) or sweet corn and there is no noticeable difference in flavor.
Some farmers harvest baby corn early in the season while leaving other ears to grow. This allows them to harvest both baby corn and mature sweet corn from the same plant.
Some farmers harvest baby corn early in the season while leaving other ears to grow. This allows them to harvest both baby corn and mature sweet corn from the same plant.