Happy NEW YEAR!!
Hope it has been a fantastic start to the year for you.
Rapidly we go in to it with all sorts of possibilities ahead.
This week in store we have:
Tomatoes
OOB Blueberry Punnet
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Carrots Table Grade
Lettuce – Cos – Green
Lettuce – Fancy Green
Sweetcorn large
Squash – Buttercup
Potato – Agria – washed
Banana
Recipe – https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/sweetcorn-with-pancetta-rosemary-and-garlic-butter/
Sweetcorn with pancetta, rosemary and garlic butter
Ingredients
- 6 pancetta slices, finely chopped
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves stripped and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil to rub
Method
- Cook the pancetta in a frying pan over a high heat for 1 minute on each side until beginning to crisp. Add the rosemary and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the pancetta is very crisp. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Put the butter in a bowl, add the cooled pancetta mix and stir to combine. Chill for 20 minutes. Once firm enough to handle, spoon onto a sheet of cling film and roll up into a long cylinder, twisting the ends tightly. Wrap in more cling film and chill until firm (see make ahead).
- Light a barbecue or heat a griddle pan. When the coals are glowing white or the pan is hot, peel back the husks from the corn and cut off or tie back with string. Rub the corn cobs all over with the oil, then grill for 8-10 minutes, turning, until charred and tender. Spread with the flavoured butter and eat straightaway.
More amazing delicious corn recipes can be found HERE
Benefits of Corn
Corn, also known as maize is a cereal grain that originated in southern Mexico. The kernels or seeds of corn are the edible parts. It can be eaten whole when it is very young and tender. But as it matures, the corncob or the part on which the kernels grow becomes harder and inedible. They come in multiple colors, depending on where they have grown and what species or variety they happen to be.
Sweetcorn is another genetic variant and it has more sugar and less starch in the nutritive material.
It provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it’s richness in phytochemicals protects some chronic diseases. The well-researched and widespread health benefits are listed below.
Prevents Constipation
The fiber content in one cup of corn amounts to 18.4% of the daily recommended amount. This aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids, due to maize being a whole-grain. One study found that corn barn was significantly better than wheat barn in relieving constipation.
Dietary fiber can help bulk and soften stools, promoting regular elimination, and decreasing straining. This process is done by stimulating the peristaltic motion and the production of gastric juice and bile. By adding bulk to loose stools, the chances for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea can be greatly reduced.
Weight Gain
Corn, especially the yellow variety, is a rich source of calories and is a staple in many places. The calorific content of sweet yellow and white corn is 96 calories per 100 grams. This is why it is often turned to for quick weight gain.
Provides Essential Minerals
Corn contains several essential minerals that can help in ensuring proper growth and fighting diseases. According to a 2017 study, published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, it is an important source for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, and P. [6] The nutritional composition can, however, vary according to the way it is harvested and processed. The nutritional content is best preserved when it is eaten whole or as popcorn. Steaming, boiling, or roasting lowers the nutritional content.
It also contains trace minerals like selenium, which are difficult to find in most diets. Phosphorus is essential for regulating normal growth, bone health, and optimal kidney functioning. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining a normal heart rate and for increasing bone mineral density.
Protects Your Heart
According to research, corn oil has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect on cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Corn oil, in particular, is the best way to improve heart health and this is derived from the fact that corn is close to an optimal fatty acid combination. This allows omega-3 fatty acids to strip away the damaging LDL or bad cholesterol and replace them at the binding sites. This can reduce the chances of arteries becoming clogged, lower blood pressure, and minimize the risk of heart attack and stroke.
According to another study, consumption of corn husk oil lowers plasma LDL or bad cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the body. As mentioned earlier, this reduction in LDL cholesterol does not mean a reduction in HDL or good cholesterol, which can have beneficial effects on the body. They include the reduction of heart diseases, prevention of atherosclerosis, and general scavenging of free radicals throughout the body. The Australian government recommends corn oil as one of the foods that can help in preventing heart diseases.
Eye & Skin Care
Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin. As per a study published in the journal Science, beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin A because it is converted into the body according to the amount required. Vitamin A can be toxic if too much is consumed, so deriving it through beta-carotene transformation is ideal. It may also benefit the health of skin and mucous membranes, as well as boost the immune system. ]
The amount of beta-carotene in the body that is not converted into vitamin A acts as a very strong antioxidant, like all carotenoids, and can combat diseases.
Manages Diabetes
In recent decades, the world has seemed to suffer from an epidemic of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism for this cannot be pinpointed, it is generally related to nutrition.
According to a study published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness in 2018 have shown that consumption of whole-grain corn is related to a decreased risk in the development of type 2 diabetes. According to the Journal of Medicinal Food [15], consumption of its kernels assists in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals in whole corn. Phytochemicals can regulate the absorption and release of insulin in the body, which can reduce the chance of spikes and drops for people with diabetes and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle, as per the British Journal of Nutrition.
Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A in the body and is essential for the maintenance of good vision and skin.
Cosmetic Benefits
Cornstarch is used in the manufacturing of many cosmetic products and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritation. Its products can be used to replace carcinogenic petroleum products which are major components of many cosmetic preparations. Many of the traditional skin creams contain petroleum jelly as a base material, which can often block pores and make skin conditions even worse.
In fact, you can use it yourself for homemade body care products. Check out our recipe on How To Make Homemade Deodorant.
How to Select and Store Corn?
The two types of corn include sweet corn and field corn. Sweet corn is more commonly consumed, and field corn is usually grounded and used in the production of flour. You can pick sweet corn for most of the culinary purposes. While buying fresh corn make sure the husks are not dried out.
It is easily available in supermarkets and farmer’s markets. It’s always good to consume fresh corn. However, frozen corn can also be used. For storage, it is best to keep it with the husk in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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