With the support of our stable Hungarian producer base, this vegetable is always available in high quality in our wholesale assortment – ask us for an offer!
What you need to know about sweetcorn?
Sweetcorn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) is a variety of maize, favoured for its high sugar content and soft kernel texture. Its origins go back to Central and South America, where it was cultivated and consumed by ancient civilisations such as the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs. It was introduced to Europe in the 15th century, thanks to the voyages of Christopher Columbus, and has remained a popular vegetable ever since.
Sweetcorn is not only tasty, it also has many health benefits. It is rich in fibre, which aids digestion, and B vitamins, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is essential for proper nervous system function. It also contains antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to eye health.
From an economic point of view, sweetcorn plays an important role in the agriculture of many European countries. It is mainly grown in large quantities in France, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Poland. In Europe, sweetcorn production is estimated at 680 000 tonnes, of which 560 000 tonnes are canned and 120 000 tonnes are quick-frozen.
Specificities of its production
Sweetcorn is a heat-loving crop that grows best in the summer months. In Hungary, the area sown to maize increased dynamically from the early 1990s to 2003, from 9,000 to 38,000 hectares. In recent years, the area has fluctuated between 18 000 and 38 000 hectares and has recently stabilised at over 30 000 hectares.
Sweetcorn is grown outdoors and its main season runs from July to September. In Hungary, domestically grown sweetcorn is available on store shelves during these months. During the rest of the year, especially in the winter months, sweetcorn available in stores is usually imported or sold in canned and frozen form.
How to choose good quality sweetcorn?
There are a few things to consider when buying fresh sweetcorn:
- Cobs: the cobs of fresh corn cobs are bright green and tightly pressed against the ear. If the leaves are dry or brownish, it indicates that the corn is getting old.
- Moustache: the moustache (the fibres at the end of the ear) of the maize should be light brown and slightly moist to the touch. If the mustache is completely dry or black, the corn is no longer fresh.
- Eyes: Pull aside a small part of the cowhide and look at the eyes. Good quality kernels are plump, uniform and bright yellow in colour.
How to use sweetcorn in the kitchen?
Sweetcorn has many uses in the kitchen:
- Cooked: the most common way to prepare it. The most common method is to boil cleaned corn cobs in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then serve with butter and salt.
- Grilled: the tubes can be placed directly on the grill grate with or without their tubes. Turn occasionally while grilling until the grains are golden brown.
- In soups and salads: cooked or grilled corn kernels can be added to soups and salads, enriching their flavour and texture.
- As a puree: Puree the cooked corn to make a creamy side dish or soup base.
How to store after purchase?
The sugar content of sweetcorn decreases rapidly, so use it as soon as possible after purchase. Store in the fridge, preferably in its husk, so that it remains fresh for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it after cooking. To do this, cook the grains, cool them and then place them in a bag or airtight container in the freezer. This will keep them fresh for months.