Whether it is poached, grilled or steamed, sweet corn is one of summer’s most popular dishes. But what makes sweet corn different than field corn? While the genetics of the corn does come into play, the harvesting process is also different for sweet corn and field corn. 

Field corn is only harvested when the kernels are dry, when it is ideal for use as livestock feed or ethanol production. Sweet corn is harvested when the kernels are soft and sweet, making it ideal for eating. Read the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s blog post to learn more.