From Cob to Freezer

I haven’t read a great explanation yet about why the corn I received from my CSA is so underdeveloped.

I’ve seen a few reports about underdeveloped ears being more likely in organic crops. But I’m thinking another likely explanation is the very cool summer we’ve had. It’s hardly been hot or sunny enough to get my tomatoes to grow.

The cool delayed corn inclusion in our bi-weekly CSA and was late to our farmers market, so I can only think that it had an impact on the kernel development too. Jai Kellum from King’s Hill Farm (our CSA) didn’t have an explanation, but was just happy the electric fence kept the raccoons out of the corn field.

So…here’s what an underdeveloped, but still delicious ear of corn looks like:

I just slice off those sad little tops and move on:

All’s better after a hot bath (see the steam?):

Now all they need is a shave:

There you have it, corn ready for use in soups, side dishes, fritters, whatever we can dream up:

VFG Test Kitchen Note: I separated these into four one-cup bags, then packed them in another freezer bag.