Sweet Corn

Statistics

  2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Number Of Contracts 124 115 119 129 108 106 134 114
Acres Contracted 8,973 9,541 9,574 10,185 8,906 9,842 12,352 10,293
Acres Harvested 10,061 10,335 9,959 11,246 10,452 11,113 11,454 11,468
Tons Harvested 75,122 79,163 81,270 89,504 80,753 90,184 90,137 87,694
Gross Farm Value(.000)1 $7,146 $7,748 $8,017 $9,045 $9,912 $14,947 $15,987  

1 Value Net of Seed

P = Preliminary

Source: Processor Information Returns

History

Archaeological evidence has shown that all modern corn originated 9,000 years ago from teosinte that grows in southwestern Mexico.  Early humans first grew teosinte, cooking it on a fire and creating popcorn. And after continuously breeding the plant, they successfully transformed it into the plant we know today.

Corn was also an important staple in Native America diets.  It was used not only as food but also as a tool, decorations, and in religious ceremonies.  Early settlers who arrived in North America from Europe were taught by Native Americans how to grow corn.

Nutrition & Health

Corn is a whole grain. Since it’s a grain it contains healthy levels of natural starches and fiber.

Sweet corn also has high levels of the phytochemical’s lutein and zeaxanthin, which helps promote healthy vision by preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, sweet corn has good levels of vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, thiamine, and magnesium which all contribute to keeping your body healthy and functioning well.

Cooking Tips

  • Roast a can of corn in a pan with olive oil to create roasted corn. Add green peppers and onions for a more flavourful side dish.
  • Add corn to an existing salsa to add color and nutrients
  • Add to your favourite soups or salad for extra fiber.
  • Add corn and diced tomatoes to guacamole.

Interesting Facts

  • There is one strand of silk for each kernel on a cob of sweet corn.
  • Sweet corn leaves were used as chewing gum by Native Americans.
  • Sweet corn plants are several feet shorter than field corn.