When you’re eating fresh grilled corn on the cob you know summer has arrived! Golden, white and bicolor sweet corn ears just scream with seasonal flavor when cooked until lightly browned on the grill.
As far as a preference, color doesn’t matter that much. What matters most is how the corn is handled after it’s picked. For the best flavor, sweet corn should be eaten the same day it’s picked.
The off-season corn found in stores may have traveled many miles, and could be several days old. Those varieties of corn are developed for shipping qualities and looks, with the flavor and texture a secondary concern.
The very best corn you’ll find is locally grown. In season, grocers often purchase the local crop for resale, but it’s a given that the corn you find in the produce aisle will be at least a couple days old.
Grilling Corn
There are lots of ways to go about grilling corn. You can shuck it before cooking, or grill it with the husk on. Each method provides its own unique flavor.
When grilled with the husks still on, the outer leaves will burn slightly, giving the ears an almost smoky flavor. After the corn silk is removed, the kernels can be brushed with butter and seasoned. Then when covered again with the husk and grilled, the corn becomes soft and juicy.
Stripped of the husk, the kernels become lightly browned, carmelizing the corn sugars and adding an almost nutty flavor and aroma. The corn dries slighly when grilled nekked, making it slightly firmer. But grilling this way also concentrates the flavor, giving you an intense burst of corn taste with every bite. Yumm-Mee!
Grilled Corn On the Cob Recipes
When it’s in season, you really should take advantage of the opportunity and serve grilled corn as often as possible. Besides the simple methods of husk-on and husk-off grilling, the ears can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The following recipes will give you cause to grill corn often!
Easy Grilled Corn Recipe — This recipe is cooked with the husks removed. Simply seasoned with butter, salt and pepper makes this an all around favorite!
Grilled Mexican Style Corn — Unusual, yet super tasty. Grilled corn is seasoned and slathered with a creamy herbed sauce. A drizzle of lime completes.
Grilled Chipotle Corn — Spicy chipotle powder adds flavor and heat to these buttery grilled ears.