Corn has gotten a bad rap because of its presence in processed foods, but fresh corn provides nutrients like vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants, as well as two phytochemicals that promote healthy vision. Just make sure you’re mixing up your intake with less starchy veggies, like red and orange produce and leafy greens.
Summer is the time to enjoy sweet corn, the fresher the better (avoid stalks with pale, dry husks). Since some corn produced today is genetically modified, you’ll definitely want to go organic.
The recipe below calls for raw corn, but this is one food that cooking can make even more nutritious, since antioxidant activity is increased when corn is cooked (just skip the butter!).
Ingredients:
- 2 tbspns fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tspns honey
- ¼ tspn cumin
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- corn kernels from 4 ears of corn
- 3 medium radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- ½ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- ¼ red onion, diced
In a blender, puree the lime juice, honey and cumin; add the oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the corn with radishes, red pepper, cilantro and red onion. Toss with dressing, and season with salt and pepper