A sweet summertime tradition is enjoying a freshly picked ear of corn. Local corn experts Jay Smoker, owner of Pine View Farm Market in Atglen, and Roberta Cosentino, manager of healthy food access programs at the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), recently shared information about harvesting and preparing corn on the cob.

Community Courier: Is it true that each corn "hair" represents one kernel of corn?

Cosentino: Corn hair or "silk" has the potential to be a kernel of corn if it's pollinated.

Community Courier: Which corn is the best/sweetest - white, yellow or the bicolor?

Smoker: We have white and bicolor. They are both sweet, but the white is the most popular seller.

Cosentino: I (recently) witnessed two Army veterans have the most hilarious argument about this. As with most varieties of produce, it's about personal preference, memories and where and when it was picked.

Community Courier: Should cooks bring the water to a boil and then add the corn or put the corn in the water and then bring it to a boil?

Smoker: Drop the corn into boiling water for seven to 10 minutes. You can butter and salt it to taste when it comes out.

Cosentino: The bigger the kernels and/or the older the corn, the longer you should cook it. I generally find if it sticks to your teeth, it's probably overcooked!

Community Courier: Can you grill corn on the cob? If so, should you keep the shell on?

Cosentino: This is my favorite method for cooking corn. I peel the outer leaves, but keep the inner leaves on, and grill the corn until the husk has charred. Hopefully, some of the kernels char as well. In a pinch, I'll also do this under the broiler.

Community Courier: How long will fresh corn be available this summer?

Smoker: From now until the end of August, we will have corn galore. We will be picking (corn) up to the middle of September, approximately Sept. 15.

Additional tips provided by Pete's Produce Farm in West Chester include the following. When selecting corn to buy, go with larger ears with fully mature kernels. If not preparing the corn right away, keep the ear in its husk and keep it in the refrigerator. Corn can be frozen for future use by cooking ears for one to two minutes in boiling water, cutting the kernels off each cob and then placing the kernels into freezer bags while removing as much air as possible from the bags.

Petes's Produce Farm grows produce, including corn, for the CCFB. Volunteers harvest the produce and donate it to the food bank for distribution to clients in need. Owner Pete Flynn is an active and long-standing member of the CCFB and one of the original founders of the CCFB Gleaning Program. For more information about the CCFB and the Gleaning Program, visit http://www.chestercountyfoodbank.org.

More information about Pine View Farm Market, 334 Lantz Road, Atglen, is available at http://www.facebook.com/pineviewfarmmarket.