Sweet Corn

Refers specifically to sweet varieties cultivated for fresh eating, distinct from field corn used for feed. Grown by small and medium-scale farms that emphasize farm-fresh flavor.

Sweet corn must be protected from earworms and birds, which can decimate the crop if left unchecked. Farmers often stagger plantings to provide consistent supplies, with handpicking timed when kernels are at peak sweetness. By marketing sweet corn directly, producers can maintain higher margins, benefiting from consumers’ preference for locally grown cobs. While acreage can be vulnerable to weather shifts, sweet corn remains beloved at roadside stands, particularly during summer gatherings and community events, ensuring steady interest across the island.