In Pennsylvania, Sweet Corn Season Has Arrived

Sweet corn season is in full swing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, with good supplies predicted to be available through Labor Day. In celebration of the season, the PA Veggies website offers Pennsylvanians an array of ideas for preserving, serving and enjoying sweet corn. Sweet corn harvest began in southeastern Pennsylvania in late June and is now available throughout the state.

“We’re proud of our crop here in Pennsylvania and we think it’s the best-tasting sweet corn to be found in America,” said PA Veggies board member Chris Powell. “Stocking up on sweet corn this time of year is not only a great way to support local farms, but a way to ensure you have delicious, healthy food options on your dining table all season.”

“We have a good sweet corn bounty this summer and we invite everyone in the region to visit the PA Veggies website for tips and resources on finding, buying, preparing fresh Pennsylvania produce,” added PA Veggies Executive Secretary Bill Troxell.

Corn Soup Recipe by

Chef Trevett Hooper

Ingredients

10–12 ears of corn

A few sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)

1 stick butter

1 1/2 large sweet onions, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

Pinch turmeric

1 cup cream

Method

Shuck the corn and take kernels off the cob with either a corn zipper (better) or a sharp knife. You should end up with about 7 cups of corn kernels.

Break the cobs in half with your hand and put them in a pot with 2 quarts of water. Bring water to a boil and add a sprig or two of thyme, one bay leaf and a pinch of salt. Turn heat down and keep at a robust simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the water tastes corny.

At this point, take out the corn cobs and pour the liquid through a strainer into a container. Set aside.

While the corn stock is simmering, slowly sauté onions in butter with 1 tablespoon sea salt until soft. Add garlic and turmeric and cook for two minutes.

Add corn kernels and cook another 10 minutes until soft, being very careful not to let it color too much.

Cover the corn kernels with the corn stock by about 1”. (You may not need all the corn stock.)

Cook 25 minutes, or until corn kernels are fully cooked.

Puree the soup in a blender.

Add cream and season with more salt as needed.

Adjust consistency with leftover corn stock.

Once the soup is made, there are many ways to garnish it, so be creative! One of our customers’ favorite ways is with crab meat, smoked chili oil and cilantro. Smoked salmon and dill also make very good additions.