Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Fat

Sweetcorn

Zea mays subsp. mays Allergen-Free
Sweetcorn

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Late Summer (fresh), Year-Round (canned/frozen)
  • Source Maize plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden gem of the garden, celebrated for its natural sweetness and ability to brighten any meal with a pop of color and flavor."

Definition

A variety of corn cultivated for its sweet, tender kernels, harvested while immature for human consumption.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet,Starchy
TextureJuicy,Tender,Slightly Crunchy
AromaMild,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Frozen Shelf Life

8-12 months

Global Consumption Rank

#3 (Most Consumed Vegetable)

Sugar Content

6-8g per 100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (1/2 cup)
Calories86 kcal
Total Fat1.2 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein3.2 g
Total Carbohydrate19.0 g
Dietary Fiber2.7 g
Total Sugars6.2 g
Calcium2 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium270 mg

Chef’s Secret

To maximize sweetness, cook fresh sweetcorn quickly. Blanching briefly then shocking in ice water helps retain color and crunch.

Substitutions

Best Match

Peas

1:1

Good for similar texture and sweetness in many recipes.

Kernel Corn (field corn)

1:1

Less sweet, more starchy; suitable for savory dishes.

Green Beans

1:1

Offers a different texture but works as a green vegetable alternative.

Lima Beans

1:1

Creamier texture with a starchy, slightly sweet flavor.

Buying Guide

Choose fresh cobs with bright green husks and plump, milky kernels. Avoid dried-out silks.

Flavor Pairings

Salads Salsas Soups Roasts Mexican dishes