sweet corn 🌽

origin:

sweet corn unexpectedly belongs to the same family as oats, barley, rye, spelt and wheat. that is because although we consider sweet corn to be a vegetable, it is actually a field corn just like the other foods in the list above. corn grows best in warmer climates and was originally cultivated by native american tribes. It then appeared in europe around 1780 where it was brought to by european settlers. until today it is still a very popular food in the southern and central regions of the united states but also a main ingredient in mexican dishes and of rising popularity in europe and other parts of the world. 

properties:

corn contains about 86 calories per 100 grams, making it quite calorie-dense for a vegetable. nevertheless it is still a very healthy power food with 19 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fibre and 1.2 grams of fat per 100 grams. the main vitamins and minerals in sweet corn are: vitamin a and c, different b vitamins, iron, magnesium and potassium. 

benefits:

sweet corn contains a high amount of complex carbohydrates which turn into energy more slowly and sustainably. this makes corn a great addition to your diet if you work out a lot. It also increases blood flow which enhances athletic performance. the high amount of vitamin c is a great immune booster and also increases the production of collagen, which prevents uv and free radical damage to the skin. the b vitamin folate is also very essential for pregnant women, lowering the risks of birth defects in newborns. 

use: 

corn can be bought raw, dried and pre-cooked and canned. In europe it is mainly used in salads where it forms a great crunch and sweet addition to a hearty salad. it pairs well with tomato, bell peppers, avocado, coriander, cucumber and other typical salad-ingredients. want to try it warm? corn is also delicious in a creamy soup or pie and let’s not forget the bbq-ed version with a little bit of grass-fed butter or olive oil and sea salt.

looking for more? just come by and visit our vegan restaurants in the city centre of groningen and hamburg. we offer fresh, healthy, and delicious vegan bowls with a lot of sweet corn ;-), salads and juices for pickup and delivery!