Corn expected to arrive this week at Fresno State

 

[Update 6/6: Fresno State has announced the corn will definitely be available beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, June 8!]

Word on the street is Fresno State corn will be going on sale this week at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market.

I talked to folks at the university and they tell me they anticipate Friday, June 8, will be the big day. An official press release is expected to go out soon. Keep an eye out on the Farm Market Facebook page for updates.

Fresno State says the farm market will open early at 7 a.m. for the first day of corn sales. Usually a line of folks starts gathering before the doors even open. The student-run market is located at 5368 N. Chestnut, between Barstow and Shaw.

An increase in price

The traditional yellow and white varieties of corn will cost .50 cents an ear this year. That’s up from .40 cents per ear in 2017.

The sweet corn is the market’s most popular product and usually sells out daily, especially on opening day. Last year, 38,586 ears of corn were sold the first day—a record high.

David Sieperda, the campus farm manager, said, “This is a time of year that we all look forward to at the Gibson Farm Market. 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.”

Proceeds from the Gibson Farm Market sales go toward students and programs. In addition to corn, the market sells other student-produced products, like wine, meat, ice cream, nuts, salsa, and syrups.

Best way to eat Fresno State corn

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.

I asked folks on Facebook what they like about Fresno State’s sweet corn and they 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.”

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

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

Fresno State first began growing corn on campus fields in 1981. In 2016 more than 740,000 ears were sold.

The Gibson Farm Market is open daily. You can check to see if sweet corn is sold out for the day by calling 9559) 278-4511.