Fresh corn kernels

Fresh corn kernels are the tender and juicy grains obtained directly from the corn cob before they dry and harden. This ingredient is fundamental in many Latin American cuisines and is used in a wide variety of recipes, from salads and stews to traditional preparations like esquite or corn cake.

Corn is native to Mesoamerica, where it has been cultivated and consumed by civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztecs for thousands of years. Fresh kernels maintain a sweet flavor and a soft texture, making them ideal for dishes that require a combination of crunch and natural sweetness.

From a nutritional standpoint, fresh corn kernels are a good source of dietary fiber, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. They also provide energy primarily in the form of natural carbohydrates.

Regarding terminology, in different Hispanic American countries, fresh corn kernels may be known as "granos de elote", "granitos de choclo", "granos de choclo", or simply "elotes desgranados". Depending on the region, the term "maíz tierno" (tender corn) is also commonly used.