Difference Between Field Corn And Sweet Corn
Corn is a staple food for several countries across the world, especially in the United States. It's the most produced grain in the country, and it is used for various purposes from feeding livestock, producing ethanol, and as an ingredient in various recipes. The corn we commonly consume is sweet corn, which is typically cooked and served fresh, frozen or canned. Sweet corn is different from field corn, which is primarily grown for livestock feed and other non-food uses like ethanol production. In this article, we will explore the differences between field corn and sweet corn.
What Is Sweet Corn?
Sweet corn is a type of corn that is harvested while it is immature, and the kernels are tender and sweet. Sweet corn is grown for human consumption and is usually eaten fresh or preserved by freezing or canning. Sweet corn has a high sugar content, which gives it the unique flavor that is different from field corn.
Sweet corn is available in several varieties like Peaches and Cream, Silver Queen, Ambrosia and many others. All these varieties have different flavors, textures, and colors. Some are yellow, while others are white or bi-colored.
What Is Field Corn?
Field corn, also known as dent corn, is a type of corn that is harvested when it is mature, which means the kernels have hardened and dried. Field corn is grown primarily for non-food uses like animal feed, ethanol production or other industrial uses. The kernels of field corn are not as sweet as sweet corn, and they have a lower sugar content. They are also less tender than sweet corn kernels, which makes them more resilient to processing and transportation.
Field corn is also used for human consumption, but in different forms, such as cornmeal, grits, and tortillas. Field corn is a staple in the American diet and is used in several recipes.
Differences Between Field Corn And Sweet Corn
There are significant differences between field corn and sweet corn, which are:
Taste
The most noticeable difference between sweet corn and field corn is their taste. Sweet corn tastes sweeter because it has a higher sugar content compared to field corn. Field corn has a lower sugar content, which gives it a less sweet taste.
Appearance
Sweet corn and field corn also have different appearances. Sweet corn is harvested while it is immature, which means the kernels are tender, and the husks are usually green. Field corn is harvested when it is mature, which means the kernels have hardened, and the husks have turned brown.
Usage
Sweet corn is grown for human consumption and is usually eaten fresh, frozen or canned. Field corn is primarily grown for non-food uses like animal feed, ethanol production, and other industrial uses. However, field corn can also be used for human consumption in different forms like cornmeal, grits, and tortillas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sweet corn and field corn are two different types of corn that have different uses, tastes and appearances. Sweet corn is harvested while it is immature, has a higher sugar content, and is used for human consumption. Field corn is harvested when it is mature, has a lower sugar content, and is used primarily for non-food uses like animal feed and ethanol production. Understanding the differences between these two types of corn can help you make informed decisions when buying or using corn.