Biting into a sweet, crispy ear of corn is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. If it’s been a while since your elder parent has had corn on the cob, June 11 is the day to change all that because it’s Corn on the Cob Day! Not only is corn delicious, it’s also full of healthy nutrients. Corn contains fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, folate, thiamin, and phosphorous. To celebrate Corn on the Cob Day, your elder parent might enjoy cooking up a great meal that includes corn on the cob with their elder care provider.

Choosing the Best Ears

Many people think the only way to choose a good ear of corn is to pull the husk back and inspect it before buying. However, that can be pretty messy and some corn vendors find it irritating. Instead of spending the time peeling back the husk, look for:
Tassels that are brown and feel sticky. This indicates the corn is fresh. Avoid ears with dry or black tassels, which indicates the corn is old.

Choose ears with fresh, green-colored husks.

Feel the ear of corn through the husk to check for kernels that are even and plump.

If you’re concerned about bugs, they aren’t usually a problem until later in the season, so enjoy the best corn early.

Cooking the Corn

There are a few different ways to cook corn on the cob. The most common method is to shuck (remove the husks) the corn and then boil it. Shucking corn can be a messy business, but it can also be fun and relaxing. Your parent might enjoy sitting outside with their elder care provider chatting while they shuck. By sitting outside, your parent gets to enjoy fresh air and sunshine and the silky threads of the tassels don’t wind up all over the kitchen. Place the corn into a pot and cover it with water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the corn for three to eight minutes. Fresher corn will cook faster than older corn.

Corn can also be grilled. To grill corn, peel the husks back, but don’t remove them. Remove all of the silk from the ear and then brush the ear with olive oil. Pull the husks back up and tie them closed with string or aluminum foil. Grill the corn for about 15 minutes.

You can even microwave corn on the cob! This method is perfect when you just need a couple of ears quickly. Simply put two ears at a time in the microwave without removing the husks or tassels. Microwave them on high for 4-6 minutes. Allow them to cool enough to touch, then remove the husks and silk and serve.

Serving Suggestion

If your elder parent loves corn on the cob, but has difficulty eating it because of dentures or other dental issues, there’s nothing wrong with cutting it off the cob before serving. The taste is the same and it is definitely easier to eat! Your parent’s elder care provider can assist with cutting the kernels from the ear for your parent.

Sources: http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t–1283/all-about-sweet-corn.asp
http://www.thekitchn.com/3-easy-ways-to-cook-sweet-corn-on-the-cob-121823
http://www.thekitchn.com/tip-how-to-buy-1-25963
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/summer-corn-more-than-delicious

For Elder Care Services in Memphis TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!