Corn is one of the most popular crops in the US. It's used for everything from livestock feed to human consumption. There are two main types of corn: field corn and sweet corn. While they may look similar, they have very different uses and flavor profiles.
What is Field Corn?
Field corn, also known as dent corn, is primarily grown to feed livestock. It's not meant for human consumption because it has a tough outer coating that's difficult to digest. Field corn is also high in starch, making it more difficult to break down into nutrients. Field corn is usually harvested in the fall and is used for silage or animal feed. It's not as sweet as sweet corn and has a more chewy texture.
What is Sweet Corn?
Sweet corn is what most people think of when they hear the word "corn." It's a type of corn that's grown specifically for human consumption, and it has a much sweeter flavor than field corn. Sweet corn is typically harvested in the summer, and it's a favorite at barbeques and picnics. Sweet corn is classified as either "su" or "se," which stands for "sugary" and "sugary enhanced." Su corn has a shorter shelf life but a sweeter flavor, while se corn has a longer shelf life and a more consistent flavor.
Physical Differences between Field Corn and Sweet Corn
The physical differences between field corn and sweet corn are subtle but distinct. Field corn has a deeper, more pronounced dent at the top of the kernel. The kernels themselves are also harder and more starch-dense. Sweet corn, on the other hand, has a smoother kernel with a higher sugar content. The color of the kernels varies as well, with field corn being more commonly associated with yellow kernels and sweet corn having a range of colors, from yellow to white to bi-colored.
Uses for Field Corn and Sweet Corn
Field corn and sweet corn have very different uses. Field corn is primarily used for animal feed, ethanol production, and industrial products. It's also a common ingredient in processed foods, such as corn syrup and corn starch. Sweet corn, on the other hand, is used primarily for human consumption. It's sold fresh, frozen, canned, and pickled. Sweet corn is also used in a variety of dishes, from corn chowder to cornbread to corn on the cob.
Conclusion
While field corn and sweet corn may look similar, they have very different uses and flavor profiles. Field corn is primarily used for animal feed and industrial products, while sweet corn is grown specifically for human consumption. Sweet corn has a higher sugar content and a softer texture, making it a favorite at picnics and barbeques. So the next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, take a moment to appreciate the nuances of this beloved crop.
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