Sweet corn is one of the staple ingredients in various dishes, both traditional and international. But have you ever bought the wrong corn? You wanted sweet corn, but ended up with regular corn that lacked that delicious sweetness. To avoid this mistake again, it’s really important to know the difference between sweet corn and regular corn. Let’s also spill the beans on how to choose the best-quality sweet corn. That way, you can enjoy sweet, fresh corn that’s perfect for all kinds of dishes. Let’s check out the tips below! 

The Difference Between Sweet Corn and Regular Corn 

Before we dive into the tips on how to choose good-quality sweet corn, let’s first discuss the difference between sweet corn and regular corn. At a glance, these two types of corn may look similar, but there are some key differences you can observe to tell them apart. 

1. Taste 

Sweet corn, as the name suggests, has a naturally sweeter taste compared to regular corn. The natural sugars in sweet corn make it delicious enough to eat on its own without extra seasoning. Sweet corn is used in various dishes, from desserts like corn pudding to stir-fries, fritters, and soupy vegetables. On the other hand, regular corn tends to have a more neutral or bland taste. 

2. Kernel Size 

Sweet corn kernels are usually smaller and softer compared to regular corn, which has larger and tougher kernels. If you press on sweet corn kernels with your fingers, they will feel more tender. 

3. Water Content 

Sweet corn contains more water, making it cook faster when boiled or grilled. Its texture will also be juicier. Meanwhile, regular corn tends to stay dry even after cooking. 

4. Kernel Color 

Sweet corn typically has brighter and lighter colors, ranging from pale yellow to soft orange. In contrast, regular corn has darker, more solid colors, usually deep yellow or dark orange. 

Read More : Creamy Corn Soup 

How to Choose High-Quality Sweet Corn 

Now that you know the differences, let’s get to the most important part: how to choose high-quality sweet corn. If you frequently shop at markets or supermarkets, here are some things to look out for to get fresh and delicious sweet corn. Check out the tips below! 

1. Check the Corn Husk 

When selecting corn, the first thing you should inspect is the husk. Choose corn that is still tightly wrapped in its husk. Fresh husks should be green and not wilted. Avoid corn with husks that have turned brown or dry, as this could indicate that the corn is old and no longer fresh. 

2. Examine the Tip of the Cob 

The tip of the cob is also important to check. Fresh corn typically has soft, slightly golden, and moist corn silk. If the corn silk has turned black or dry, it’s a sign that the corn was harvested a long time ago and may have lost some of its quality. 

3. Press the Kernels 

Another easy way to check the freshness of sweet corn is by lightly pressing on the kernels. Fresh corn will feel soft and springy when pressed. If the kernels are too hard or shriveled, it means the corn is either not fresh or overly mature. 

4. Kernel Color 

Fresh sweet corn usually has bright, vibrant kernels, like light yellow or golden yellow. Avoid corn with dull or brownish kernels, as this could indicate that the corn is old or poorly stored. 

5. The Right Cob Size 

While size isn’t always a strict indicator, sweet corn with medium-sized cobs generally tastes sweeter and has a softer texture. Corn that is too large can sometimes taste bland and have a tougher texture. So, choose corn with a moderate size—neither too large nor too small. 

6. Fresh Aroma 

Fresh sweet corn also has a distinctive sweet and fresh aroma. If you detect a strange or sour smell coming from the corn, it’s best to avoid it, as this could be a sign that the corn is starting to rot or its quality has declined. 

Make Your Favorite Corn Dishes Healthier with FiberCreme 

Do you have a favorite dish that uses sweet corn as one of the main ingredients? Let’s make a healthier version using FiberCreme! Replace the usual milk and coconut milk in your recipe with FiberCreme, which is high in fiber, low in sugar, contains 0mg of cholesterol, and is lactose-free. It will still taste rich and creamy but is much better for your health. 

For more recipe inspiration, head over to Instagram @FiberCreme_TV. You can also learn more about FiberCreme products at @FiberCreme.