Fresno State Corn Goes on Sale Tomorrow at Gibson Farm Market

Do you hear that buzz in the air? It’s excitement for the start of corn season at Fresno State!

Sweet corn goes on sale at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market tomorrow at 7 a.m.

That’s right — starting Friday, Fresno State’s campus-grown sweet corn will be available at the student-run market located at 5368 N. Chestnut, between Barstow and Shaw avenues.

Traditional yellow and white varieties of corn will sell at 40 cents per ear throughout the summer. The sweet corn is the market’s most popular product and usually sells out daily, especially on opening day.

Hundreds of Thousands of Ears Sold Every Year

“This is a time of year that we all look forward to at the Gibson Farm Market,” says David Sieperda, campus farm manager. “Our vegetable crop unit takes great pride in carefully growing Fresno State sweet corn and exposing our student works to the daily aspects of crop management, which is a key part of our University’s mission.”

Fresno State first began growing corn on campus fields in 1981. Last year, more than 740,000 ears were sold. Over 200 shoppers lined up outside the Gibson Farm Market the first morning sweet corn was sold, and over 36,000 ears were sold that day!

“An extra reward is seeing the smiles on Gibson Farm Market shoppers as they take home our product to share with friends and families all around the Central Valley,” Sieperda says.

I can personally attest to the fact that people go crazy for Fresno State’s corn. I’ve waited in line for it – many times! It’s just so darn good. It really is better than all the other corn out there. My favorite is the traditional yellow.

What Valley Folks Love About Fresno State Corn

I asked folks on Facebook what they like about Fresno State’s sweet corn and people weren’t shy in answering.

“My husband likes it grilled, but I think boiled makes it super sweet and soft,” says Jenny Toste of Easton. “Just butter and salt and I’m set.”

“We love it because it is non-GMO and safe to eat,” says Michelle Malloy of Clovis. “We like it boiled with butter and salt.”

“It takes like summer!” says Betsy Tucker Hays.

“It’s always so fresh and delicious,” says Stephanie Vagim of Fresno. “We can’t get enough.”

“I like it boiled with a cup of sugar in the water, to sweeten it up,” says Christine Edwards. “And of course butter!”

Megan Lerma of Fresno prefers her corn grilled with butter and garlic salt. “It gives it the extra flavor that is perfect for all our summer barbecues,” she says.

Vanessa Castaneda likes to prepare her corn with a bit of spice. “We love it boiled, then eat it with butter, mayonnaise, Mexican cheese, and Tajín on top,” she says.

Ian Yeh of Fresno shared a favorite recipe for roasted corn salsa. He cuts up onion, tomatoes, cilantro, mango, and jalapeños. Then he adds fresh lime juice and a small amount of vegetable oil to thicken it up a bit. After that, he adds salt and pepper to taste.

As for the corn, Yeh cuts off the kernels from the cob and briefly cooks it on the stove. He puts a little oil in the pan and keeps it over the heat just long enough to caramelize. Then he adds the corn to the salsa mix.

“It goes perfectly with a grilled hard fish,” Yeh says. “Like Mahi Mahi, swordfish or shark steak.”

Gibson Farm Market Hours

The Gibson Farm Market will have extended hours this weekend. Friday, they’ll be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The store will resume its normal summer hours on Monday, June 5: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

You can always call and check to see if sweet corn is sold out for the day by calling 559-278-4511.

Happy eating!

 

[Photos are courtesy of Geoff Thurner]