Pretty Red Corn You Can Actually Eat, AKA Red Posole
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What does the color red mean to you?
When I’m feeling confident, I want to wear red. And, I love a splash of red around my house, like an unexpected red teapot or pair of red chairs. The whole reason I chose the picture for my header was the walking capri red pants. So naturally, when I saw red corn at Whole Foods, I had to buy it. I was intrigued because it was the first time I had ever seen red corn on a fresh husk.
Naturally, I had to share it with you. I had to do a little googling just to find out what red corn was, why I haven’t ever seen it before and what differentiates it from sweet corn (the yellow and white that we all love).
Red corn is ancient, an heirloom, in fact. I’m not sure what that means, but is sounds so earthy, and seductive. It is also known as red posole and/or maize, and is usually dried out for decoration, but is lately finding some popularity as an edible food.
The “red” color comes from anthocyanins, which you can read about here in a post on purple foods, but it basically means super health. Red corn has 20% more protein and 350% more anti-oxidants than white corn.
It can be as light as a fuschia color or a deep ruby red as below. These were purchased at different times.
As far as grilling, there is no mystery here. Just clean the corn, maintain the outer husk. Rub with flavored butter, a little salt and pepper and wrap in husk. You could also wrap in foil. This corn is going to be a bit chewier, crunchier and distinct from yellow and white corn.
In my research, I have only found one other food blogger that has cooked with red corn. I didn’t find a lot of recipes because it is rare to find as an edible food. But, if you see it, grab a few ears and try something new with an heirloom.
Edible Red Corn, from Food Blogga
