(Des Moines, IA) -- It's here! Sweet corn, the delectable treat that Iowans anticipate all year is now in stands and grocery stores.
Iowa sweet grower Mike Penick says it's been a challenging growing year due to the dry conditions. He says the early-planted sweet corn is ready but the later-planted corn is need of rain.
Most of Iowa has been in some form of drought for months.
LISTEN to Jeff Angelo talk about the sweet corn with Mike Penick.
Penick says local demand is always strong and he says Iowa's reputation for delicious Iowa sweet corn has traveled throughout the nation and likely across the globe.
He says it's not unusual to meet customers who are from out-of-state but insist on buying some Iowa sweet corn and taking it home with them in their luggage.
HOW TO COOK IT?
Penick says the hot trend now is to grill it, either with husks or without.
He also reminds customers that it's best to store uncooked corn in the fridge or chilled environment, keeping it moist if at all possible.
And most Iowans won't have any trouble with Penick's last bit of advice: "Eat it the sweet corn as soon as you can."