Local Corn in Peak Season at Fremont Market
The Fremont Corn Expo reminds shoppers to incorporate this versatile, budget-friendly staple into your family’s meal planning. Look for fresh sweet corn at the Fremont farmers market and local grocers, with an opportunity to create a 'corn bar' for dinner.
Corn, also known as maize, originated in Mesoamerica around 10,000-12,000 years ago and was a staple for Native Americans. It's believed to have developed from a wild grass called teosinte. The crop migrated into the U.S. Southwest via both highland and coastal routes. Sweet corn, a variation of field corn, has been part of American food culture since the 1700s. California ranks second in sweet corn production, with harvests from June to October. Today, corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica. Corn offers several health benefits, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It aids digestion, supports eye health with lutein and zeaxanthin, and provides sustained energy. A medium ear of corn contains about 98 calories, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein. Fremont, CA lies in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, with the last spring frost around March 1st and the first fall frost around December 12th. This allows for a long growing season of about 270 days. Corn can be directly sown around early February.
