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Is Corn a Vegetable, a Fruit or a Grain? Here's What a Dietitian Has to Say
Corn season is here! The first thing you need to know about this summertime staple is ... well, what it is, anyway. Here, a registered dietitian breaks it all down—and the answer might surprise you.
Did you know the U.S. is the leading corn consumer worldwide, with an annual corn consumption of more than 12 billion bushels, according to Statistica? While much of that is used for making ethanol or for animal feed, we do eat a lot of it, whether it's in the form of corn on the cob, as popcorn or as an additive, such as high-fructose corn syrup, in processed foods.
Honestly, there's a lot of confusion around corn—namely, what type of food it is. Is corn a vegetable? Is corn a fruit? Is corn a grain? How do you count it in your meals when you're aiming to make a healthy meal?
Keep reading to find out exactly what it is. The answer will probably surprise you.
Spoiler: Corn is a combination of all three—a fruit, a grain and a vegetable.
According to the USDA, though, corn can be considered a vegetable or a grain, depending on a couple of factors. The answer lies within the variety of corn and the time of harvest.
When corn ears of the sweet corn variety are reaped at their young and immature state, they have liquid-filled kernels that are soft and tender. In this case, these sweet corn kernels are considered a starchy vegetable. These are the typical corn varieties that you see in grocery stores and farmers' markets, where they are sold as corn on the cob but are also available as canned and frozen corn kernels.
The longer the harvest is delayed, the kernels mature as they become hard and dry. Popcorn is a corn variety harvested at this mature state and is classified as a grain. Corn at this mature stage can also be milled into cornmeal and used for foods like tortillas or cornbread.
If you are avoiding gluten due to gluten sensitivity or have been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may be concerned about the grains you eat. Rest assured that corn in its natural form, such as corn on the cob, corn kernels (fresh and frozen) and popcorn, is gluten-free.
When you purchase processed corn products, such as cornmeal, masa corn, corn flour and cornstarch, read the ingredients list and the packaging. Doing so provides reassurance that the product is gluten-free and is made in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination from other gluten-containing grains.
Corn comes in a wide array of varieties and forms, making it a versatile food that can be part of many delicious recipes.
Corn on the cob is a summertime stable for a reason. Enjoy sweet corn by tossing it on the grill for summer cookouts, as in our Grilled Corn on the Cob or Mexican Street Corn. Add corn kernels to a Fresh Sweet Corn Salad or corn chowder.
Sweet corn also makes a great side dish, like in our Corn Pudding with Bacon & Rosemary or Corn Fritters with Yogurt-Dill Sauce.
You can also use sweet corn in desserts. Sweet Corn Ice Cream is an indulgent treat for the summer.
And don't forget popcorn! Try our Lime & Parmesan Popcorn for afternoon snacking. Or to satisfy a sweet craving, make our Cinnamon-Sugar Microwave Popcorn.
Whole cornmeal can be enjoyed in various ways, too. Use it as a breading in this Cornmeal-Crusted Shrimp with Corn & Okra, or add it to dumplings, biscuits, bread, cakes and waffles. These Healthy Cornmeal Recipes will inspire you with endless creations in the kitchen.
Corn is a nutritious food with multiple identities. Botanically, it's a fruit but is consumed as both a vegetable and a grain. Check out these Healthy Corn Recipes and Healthy Corn Side Dish Recipes for more ideas and inspiration. Then get ready to embrace corn season.