I got over ATKs advice some years ago. They’ve changed a lot. But I’m going to continue to eat raw, warm corn. Hey, it melts the butter 
1 Like
84C for 30 minutes is really nice for corn
2 Likes
Popcorn???
I guess sous vide at 84C / 183F would fully gel the starch while leaving the pericarp intact.
I’m finding this topic rather dismaying. My local Albertson’s sells around 80% of its corn in plastic wrapped packages of partially husked cobs. If I’m lucky I’ll find a small bin of corn in husks among the veggies, but lately they’ve been smaller than what’s in the packages. We have a couple of farm stands in the area but they’re a 20 minute+ drive. 
Do you like the corn at the Albertson’s? If so, just keep on buying that.
Now, if you don’t like it, that’s a diff story entirely…
You don’t have any farmers markets nearby?
Some of our local chain supermarkets have fresh corn around peak season, like August.
I’ve driven over two hours round trip (Berkeley to Brentwood) to get good corn in season. Or maybe I was driving for the peaches and the corn was a bonus.
Whole Foods is selling corn in the husk right now.
1 Like
The last ones we had were not as good as the ones we bought there 2 weeks prior. I’ve been generally disappointed in this year’s crop so far. That’s why this topic has me concerned that I may have to do the drive and try one of the farm stands or farmers markets.
Underwood have good corns to pick at many FMs. If you go, pick up a cabbage from Suncoast Family’s Farm as well, they’re serious the sweetest cabbage I’ve found. Also, nectarines at Ken’s are very nice, especially the Mango Nectarines variety (firm or soft are both super sweet and flavorful, pick ones with plenty of freckles!) I hope you have a good reason to go to a FM near you now 
2 Likes
Good point that, if you can hit a FM w/ a lot of vendors you like, the 20+ mins each way may not seem like a big deal.
Underwood is at the Brentwood FM (if that’s not super far), and, at the same FM, you can get gaviotas from Rosewood, plums or pluots from Arnett’s, and some fish at Tropical Seafood. Try My Thai also has great sauces and concentrates (not sure if that last word is the correct term) and there’s a wonderful French chef who sells all sorts of dishes (not exactly cheap but very tasty, and you get a slight discount if you bring back the glassware).
Regier’s used to be there but stopped attending. 
1 Like
Can anyone tell me if any of the south OC farmers markets have booths from any of the specific farms referenced in these posts? I’m talking about Irvine south to San Clemente. In these parts we’re kindof used to not having the best stuff mostly because this isn’t a very high population area. I’d very happily stand corrected if that’s not true.
So is Smart & Final.
3 Likes
I did an internet search, and it looks like Rosewood (Irvine and Laguna Beach) and Arnett’s (Irvine) come out to your area. Arnett was mentioned in this thread but has mentioned in the “main” FM thread.
I feel like I’ve seen Tanaka Farms mentioned… somewhere. They’re located in Irvine and sell a variety of produce that they grow (incl sweet corn) or get from partner farms. I have never personally tried their produce (that I know of).
While I do look at the vendor recs here, I also just try any vendor that looks “interesting,” even if I’ve never heard of them b/f (that’s how I found the really good stone fruit vendor and the vendor that cubes and vacuum seals their beets at the Sun Santa Monica FM).
If a vendor is unfamiliar to me, I just buy a few items and, if they’re not amazing, I just take that as a learning experience and still feel good that I’m supporting a local business.
Not sure where @js76wisco is located in the OC, but he or maybe @OCSteve might have other recs?
Thank you. We’ve been to Tanaka Farms before. It’s near UC Irvine. They were amazing during Covid. You could order on line and they’d put your order in your trunk. The Irvine FM is likely the one in Great Park. I just need the motivation.
I have a carton of Driscoll strawberries from the supermarket and we just got some Harry’s strawberries yesterday.
I consider myself decently sensitive to $ issues, but the supermarket strawberries are so sh*tty that they make the Harry’s Berries (which are like 6x more expensive) almost look like a must-buy.
Taste the difference for yourself to see if that provides motivation.
1 Like
y’all are going out to Santa Ynez to get corn? Where are you getting this from?
Santa Ynez?
Finley is at the Wednesday SMFM iirc
2 Likes
y’all are going out to Santa Ynez to get corn? Where are you getting this from?
Finley, Roots, and Givens are all at the Hollywood Farmers Market. They are probably at other LA-area markets as well.
No. The Irvine FM you want to go to is Saturday at Mariners Church off the 73. My favorite stands are
Kens for stone fruits and grapes
Arnett for all sorts of fruits and lots of samples
Small stand across from Arnett with excellent produce and washed lettuces
Le Bahn ranch for eggs and poultry. The longest line at the whole market.
Roasted peanuts
Baba guys for Mediterranean dips and prepared foods
There are several stands that have corn. I’ve tried a bunch and they are all good but none stands out. Better than what you can get from the supermarkets.
3 Likes