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There is an old saying about growing sweet corn. If it's knee high on the Fourth of July, there will be a bounty of corn for August. My husband reminds me of that every time we pass fields of corn each summer.
Of course, there are fields of corn grown simply to feed livestock and then there is the much-sought-after sweet corn to feed consumers like us. Knowing the difference is important if you plan to raid your farmer's fields. A few people I know learned that the hard way a few decades back.
As for the sweet corn, my spouse appears to be a self-proclaimed expert at selecting the most delicious ears of corn. We have already purchased a few dozen from a friend. The ears have been shed of their kernels and properly prepared for freezing. That way we can enjoy the taste of fresh corn off the cob well into the winter months.
However, we also joined the hundreds of folks who made the summertime pilgrimage to Ebbert's Farm Market near St. Clairsville. The corn sold there, along with other vegetable and fruit delights, is legendary. So much so that there is nearly always a crowd of buyers.
There is something of a culinary rush when we finally see the sign that announces "the corn is in."
Watching my spouse select a dozen ears of corn from a huge pile just picked and brought in from the field is something to behold. He carefully examines the ears of corn like a nervous groom-to-be picking out an engagement ring. Mistakes are not optional.
The truth is, there are no bad ears of corn at Ebbert's. At least we have never had a negative experience there. Judging by the way the ears are scooped up by the dozens and hauled out of there, the season just doesn't last long enough.
I suppose you can buy corn year round in the grocery stores but somehow the taste of sweet corn in August and September is without comparison. And yes I have purchased frozen corn when all else fails. There is just something uniquely satisfying about chomping on an ear of corn dripping with butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
When that last ear of corn has crossed our plates and our chins are sloppy with real butter, I will know that it's time to let go. Only then will I whisper, "Hey, summer, you can go now. See you next year."
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.