Grain|Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Fat

Corn Kernel

Zea mays Allergen-Free
Corn Kernel

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global|Mesoamerican
  • Seasonality Late Summer|Year-Round (frozen/canned)
  • Source Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden pearl of summer, bringing a burst of sweetness and sunshine to any plate."

Definition

The individual edible seeds of the corn plant, widely used as a vegetable, grain, and source for many food products.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Starchy
TextureJuicy, Crisp (fresh), Chewy (cooked)
AromaMildly sweet, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Plant Biology

Botanically a fruit (specifically a caryopsis) but culinarily considered a vegetable or grain.

Storage (Fresh)

Store unhusked corn in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve sweetness.

Usage Tip

Scrape the cob with the back of a knife after removing kernels to extract 'milk' for extra flavor in dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 ear (150g)
Calories86 kcal
Total Fat1.2 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein3.2 g
Total Carbohydrate18.7 g
Dietary Fiber2.0 g
Total Sugars6.2 g
Calcium2 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium270 mg

Chef’s Secret

To quickly remove kernels from the cob, stand the cob upright in a large bowl and slice downwards with a sharp knife.

Substitutions

Best Match

Sweet Peas

1:1

Similar sweetness, texture, and bright color; great in salads and side dishes.

Edamame

1:1

Offers a slightly nuttier flavor and similar texture, good for salads and stir-fries.

Lima Beans

1:1

Starchy and mild, good in stews or as a side, but less sweet.

Diced Potato

1:1

Buying Guide

For fresh corn, look for bright green husks, moist silks, and plump, milky kernels when pierced.

Flavor Pairings

Butter salt lime chili powder cilantro cheese bell peppers tomatoes avocado chicken fish.

Recipes Using Corn Kernel

North American Dietary North American Occasion

20 Minute Spanish Rice

Craving a flavorful Spanish rice side dish that's ready in a flash? This recipe delivers! Perfect for busy weeknights, this vibrant and easy-to-make rice complements any main course, from spicy chicken to grilled fish. Get ready to enjoy authentic flavors in under 30 minutes!

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Low Saturated Fat Low Saturated Fat Healthy 2 Low Cholesterol

20 Minute Chicken Chili Dairy Free

Craving a quick, flavourful, and dairy-free chili? This recipe from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen delivers a hearty, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and warming spices, it's the perfect weeknight dinner. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe ideal for beginner cooks.

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Low Saturated Fat Beans Time To Make Course

Another Vegetarian Chili

This award-winning vegetarian chili recipe is a culmination of years of perfecting the ultimate comfort food. Packed with bold flavors and hearty vegetables, it's the perfect warming dish for chilly fall and winter evenings. No beef? You won't miss it! Serve with your favorite rice for a complete and nutritious meal. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free!

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Finger Food Easy Number Of Servings Quick Breads

Apple Corn Muffins

Delightfully moist and subtly sweet Apple Corn Muffins! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the hearty texture of cornmeal for a perfect breakfast or snack. Get ready to enjoy these golden-brown muffins bursting with flavor in just 40 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Main Dish Easy Inexpensive

Aztec Black Bean Salad Vegan Low Fat

Spice up your life with this vibrant and flavorful Aztec Black Bean Salad! This vegan and low-fat recipe is perfect for meal prepping and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty chipotle lime dressing, this salad is a fiesta in every bite. Easily adaptable for cilantro-haters (Italian parsley works great!). Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare.

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Time To Make Vegetables Taste Mood Dietary

Azteca Squash Soup

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian soup inspired by Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico (Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2008). This recipe features roasted butternut squash, a rich blend of spices, and a touch of heat for a truly satisfying and unforgettable autumnal meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!

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Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Healthy Low Protein

Baby Lima Beans And Corn

Transport yourself to a Southern kitchen with this heartwarming recipe for Baby Lima Beans and Corn! This classic side dish, often called 'butter beans,' is perfect for potlucks, buffets, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Made with tender baby lima beans, sweet corn, and savory bacon drippings, this recipe evokes the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish alongside fried chicken, ham, pork chops, or your favorite protein. Get ready to experience the taste of Grandma's table!

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Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Stove Top Corn

Baby Lima Beans And Corn In Chive Cream

Elevate your vegetable game with this gourmet recipe! Tender baby lima beans and sweet corn swim in a luscious chive cream sauce, finished with crispy bacon. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a million bucks.

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Time To Make Preparation Low Saturated Fat 4 Hours Or Less

Bacon Corn Chowder With Potatoes

Warm up on a chilly night with this hearty and flavorful Bacon Corn Chowder! Creamy potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon combine in a rich broth for the ultimate Wisconsin winter comfort food. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a cozy night in.

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Lunch Lunch 3 Steps Or Less Low Calorie

Baked Potatoes With Shallot Corn Butter

Elevate your simple baked potato into a culinary masterpiece with this vibrant and flavorful Shallot Corn Butter recipe! This easy recipe from Marcia Kiesel's "Quick Flavor Fixes" adds a burst of fresh corn and tangy shallot to create a visually stunning and incredibly delicious side dish or light meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is adaptable – use the corn butter on roasted baby potatoes, pasta, or even grilled seafood! While fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor, thawed frozen corn works in a pinch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

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3 Steps Or Less Easy Salads Meat

Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

Craving a zesty, Southwestern-inspired salad? This Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make! Tender chicken tossed in a creamy barbecue ranch dressing, it's the perfect light yet satisfying meal. We recommend using a mild red onion to avoid overpowering the other delicious ingredients. Prep time is minimal, and chilling enhances the flavors, making this recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Lunch Low In Something Salads Healthy 2

Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

A vibrant and refreshing barley salad, perfect for a summer lunch or side dish. This recipe combines tender barley with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty basil-garlic dressing. Easy to make ahead, it's ideal for picnics or potlucks!

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Course Vegetables Course Preparation

Barley Shrimp And Corn Salad

This vibrant Barley, Shrimp, and Corn Salad is a summer sensation! Featuring tender barley, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful appetizer. Get ready for a burst of flavor in under an hour!

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Dietary Low Protein Easy Time To Make

Bbq Black Beans And Rice

This vibrant BBQ Black Bean and Rice recipe is a vegetarian delight! A crowd-pleaser even for meat-lovers, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Inspired by a classic from 1,001 Vegetarian Recipes, it's bursting with smoky BBQ flavor and satisfying texture. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal in under an hour!

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Time To Make Rice Time To Make Low Saturated Fat

Bean And Rice Salad

This vibrant Bean and Rice Salad is a crowd-pleaser! Originally featuring corn (easily omitted), this recipe is packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck contribution, this recipe is easily customizable to your liking. Enjoy the refreshing combination of beans, rice, and zesty dressing!

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Lunch Course Occasion Beginner Cook

Beany Melts

Craving a quick, fun, and flavorful meal the whole family will devour? These Beany Melts are your answer! Imagine a baked bean pizza, but easier and even more delicious. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying lunch or snack, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend fun. Get ready for cheesy, sweet, and savory perfection!

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Cuisine Holiday Event Crock Pot Slow Cooker Taste Mood

Beef Barley Veggy Soup Crock Pot

Warm up with this hearty and delicious Beef Barley Veggie Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Bursting with tender beef, barley, and colorful vegetables, this comforting soup is a complete meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying experience. Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

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Oven Low Carb 60 Minutes Or Less Ground Beef

Beef Tamale Casserole

Skip the fuss, not the flavor! This easy Beef Tamale Casserole is a delicious alternative to traditional tamales. Baked in a casserole dish, it's like one giant, comforting tamale. We've swapped bell peppers for diced green chilies for a zesty kick—a happy accident that elevated this recipe to 'muy bueno!' Get ready for a hearty, cheesy, and unbelievably satisfying meal.

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