Summer is synonymous with fresh corn. Light and sweet, an ear of corn with a light summer meal is nothing short of heaven. There’s something about the simplicity and ease – whether boiled for a few moments or thrown on the grill – that you just can’t be beat. Who doesn’t have memories of family get togethers or picnics when corn on the cob was plentiful and delicious?In this country, corn has its origins with Native Americans for whom it was a staple. In fact, when Europeans came to the United States, they were unable to grow their grains in unfamiliar conditions, so they relied heavily on corn for nutrition. These days, corn has multiple uses. It’s found in numerous food products on store shelves including corn meal, corn oil and high fructose corn syrup. It’s also used for animal feed, is found in everyday products such as latex gloves and is even used in building construction materials.

Much debate has ensued over genetically modified (GM) and genetically engineered (GE) corn by large industrial farms. Since these techniques were introduced in the 1990’s, the percent of farms using them has steadily increased. Because GE corn is not separated from conventional corn by mills and processors at harvest time, all corn-based food ingredients are very likely to have been made from a mixture of GE and non-GE corn varieties.

What does that mean for consumers? Some argue that these modified products help increase production and can make more food available for people around the world, especially countries experiencing famines. Others are concerned that GM products have the power to create potential environmental and human harm, although the specifics haven’t been clearly identified as they can unfold over time. What’s the safest approach? Sticking to foods grown naturally as they always have been.

Engineering aside, the good news is that when you pick up a few ears of corn at your local farmers market, you won’t have to worry about it being genetically engineered or modified. Your only concern is how quickly you can cook and enjoy it, savoring its sweet taste and using it in a variety of ways. Here’s to the sweetest of summer corn!

Filed under: Summer, Vegetables, Whole Food Nutrition