Corn on the Cob Day~June 11

June 11 is Corn on the Cob Day. Did you know that corn, aka maize (maize on the cob just doesn't sound as cute as corn on the cob) is a grass? Or more correctly, a grain that comes from a grass. Corn was domesticated by the Aztecs and Mayans in prehistoric times. Over the years the popularity of corn spread throughout the Americas due to it's variety of uses and ability to grow in distinct climates. You could say it started "popping up" everywhere. (Sorry)

Corn is the most widely grown crop in the Americas with 332 million metric tons grown annually in the U.S. alone. Corn is used for many things other than food consumption. It is used as a fuel for heating homes and running cars. Starch from corn can be used to make plastics, fabrics, and adhesives as well as many other chemical products. The carpet in my house is made from corn. Cool, huh?

Summer is here, and what is summer without delicious corn on the cob?

How to prepare and cook corn on the cob.
The basics:
* Husk the corn, and pull off silky threads. Cut out any blemishes with a small knife. Wash.
* Bring a large pot of boiling salted water to a boil. Add cobs of corn and return to a boil.
* Turn the heat off and cover pot with a lid. After 10 minutes your corn will be ready to eat.
* Smother with lots of butter and enjoy!
(You can keep the remaining corn warm in the water for another 10 minutes without it getting tough.)

Fancy Shmancy:
Chili Lime Corn on the Cob by Guy Fieri
Corn on the Cob with Parmesan Cheese by Giada De Laurentiis
Corn on the Cob Cake by Food Network Magazine

And here is my favorite Food Network Star ~Paula Deen~ preparing Spicy Parmesan Corn on the Cob. Love her!

Source: wikipedia.com
Image: slashfood.com