Every summer, around corn time, I get a little miffed. Summer is a season of many things. And some of the things that remind us of our childhood. At our house this means all the local gorgeous, yummy veggies and fruits that are available. And especially, enjoying corn on the cob has special childhood memories for both of us.
Once upon a time in Vancouver, before the peaches and cream and bi-coloured gremlins got all over us, we used to be able to readily find the corn that we called “Chilliwack” corn. As it turns out, that name is kind of like “Kleenex”. The corn I am talking about is known as Jubilee not Super Sweet Jubilee, just Jubilee and it becomes available in late summer.
Nowadays, all we seem able to find is bi-colour corn. For our taste, these varieties are all too sweet, missing that hit of real corn taste. There used to be people selling Jubilee corn off backs of trucks parked on the side of the road all over the city. Where did they go? Please come back, we miss you!
Last summer we spent some time in Harrison Hot Springs. Agassiz calls itself the corn capital of B.C. They had our beloved Jubilee. If you go, try Sparks Corn Barn, Hwy. #9 turn off to Agassiz, open from June to September from 10:00 to 6:00pm.
Corn guy at the farmer’s market surprised us last summer by growing some Jubilee. It was so good! He has given us other varieties to try over the years but we long for the taste of Jubilee corn.
Jubilee offers superb texture and taste. The kernels sometimes have a bit of a sunset glow to them and if cooked just right, they pop in your mouth, yum, yum. For our “corn feast” we made a lime butter (see below), to slather on the cobs, so tasty.
Last September the Feast of Fields was held at Krause Bros. Farm. As you arrived and entered the field where it was being held, they had a stand set up and were giving out roasted yellow corn. There was a big slab of butter that you rolled your corn in. It was mouthwatering!. For me it was the best booth at the FOF and I went back later for another cob. Heaven…
This summer, oh joy, there are a few stalls selling yellow corn.
Helpful link to Lime-Chive Butter. And to cooking Corn On The Barbecue.