NATIONAL CORN ON THE COB DAY

National Corn on the Cob Day on June 11 is our reminder that summertime picnics are in full swing. The smell of fresh corn on the cob cooking makes our mouths water. We don't care if you grill it, boil it, or bake it. The only thing we want to do today is eat as much corn on the cob we can.

#CornOnTheCobDay

The history of corn dates back to nearly 7,000 years ago in Mexico. Originally growing as a wild grass, corn was eventually grown as a crop and harvested. From Mexico, corn eventually spread north into what is now the U.S. Native American's planted and harvested corn, making it plentiful across tribes. Today, corn is found across North America.

Corn on the cob is known as pole corn, cornstick, sweet pole, butter-pop, sweet corn, or long maize depending on where you live. Despite it's name variations, corn on the cob is best picked when the corn kernels are tender and in its milk stage serves up sweeter kernels.

While it might seem rude, proper dinner etiquette for eating corn says holding the cob at each end with your fingers is appropriate. If you find yourself with butter dripping off your chin, don't worry. Most people are probably having the same problem as you are because everyone serves their corn on the cob with other seasonings, butter or oils can.

How you prepare your corn on the cob also depends on where you live. Boiling, steaming, roasting, and grilling are the most common ways to prepare corn on the cob. Adding butter, oil, and seasonings is all personal preference. In fact, roasting corn on the cob and topping it with parmesan, chili pepper, and cilantro seems to be the choice of many these days.

HOW TO OBSERVE CORN ON THE COB

As the flavor of fresh corn on the cob calls to us, get the butter and the salt shaker ready. The time is ripe to invite friends and family for grilling and that includes corn on the cob. Add corn on the cob to your favorite seafood boil. Whether it's spice or mild, the sweet corn will be a crowd-pleaser. Even those who prefer corn off the cob can celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day by slicing off those kernels. Use #CornOnTheCobDay on social media and tell the world how much you love this delicious food holiday!