The best tips and tricks for buying and using corn

Corn on the cob is a summer classic, and it can be used in all sorts of ways. Here's a few tips and tricks for getting the most from freshly-bought corn on the cob.

• Corn is at its sweetest and most abundant during the summer months.
• Supersweet varieties from Florida and California have extended the season considerably.
• Always buy corn with intact, bright green husks, as the sugar in the kernels transforms into starch as soon as the husk is removed.
• Pull back the husk to inspect the kernels. There should be evenly formed straight rows of plump, smooth, shiny kernels. Check the silky end to make sure there's no decay or worm holes.

• The sooner you use corn, the sweeter it'll be. If you must store corn, place ears in a plastic bag and keep it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for a day or two.
• To prepare, remove the husk and silk from corn just before cooking. For grilling or roasting, you may want to keep the husks attached to protect the kernels during cooking.
• Corn-on-the-cob can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted in the oven or cooked in the microwave. Keep cooking times brief.

Corn on the grill is a classic. Here's an easy recipe:

1. Shuck corn from tip to stem. Pull back the husks and brush the kernels with vegetable oil or melted butter.
2. Pull husks back up over kernels. Soak corn in iced water until ready to cook.
3. You can grill corn on the barbecue rack or nestled in the coals. Grill over medium-hot coals for 10 to 20 minutes, turning often.

Corn kernels aren't just for eating off the cob. Try using them in or with some of the following:

• Pancake or waffle batter
• Cornbread or corn muffin batter
• Tomato salsa, along with finely chopped coriander
• Carrots, pepper, stock and leftover chicken to make a soup

Packed into an ear of corn:

• about 75 calories
• plenty of fibre
• a mix of B vitamins that aid in energy metabolism
• magnesium to help maintain nerves and muscles
• phosphorus to help generate energy
• ferulic acid, an antioxidant that destroys naturally occurring toxins in the body known as free radicals, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer

When those first plump corn cobs appear at the market, it's time to fire up the barbecue and set up a table outdoors for supper. Be sure to pick the best cobs, and feel free to use them in different ways.