In keeping with my SOS, sustainable, organic, and seasonal, I will start a series of articles spotlighting the amazing produce grown in my home state of Florida. Buying fresh, local, organically grown produce offers the cook incredible quality and savings. In turn, we reward the dedicated hard graft put in by our amazing farmers. However, this is nothing new from me; I have been trumpeting the virtues of local, seasonal, and organic for some time on Blogcritics. Let us get to some new material, shall we, but always keeping in mind the two pivotal questions: What is good? What is in season?
Florida has 43,000 farms, utilizing more than ten million acres to generate fantastic foodstuffs. Dade County, where I live, is one of the most prolific producers of sweet corn in Florida. Sweet corn is in my kitchen almost year round. Commercial production really takes off in October, with the peak of availability in early March through May. When eating sweet corn, leave the cans on the shelves. Corn cut fresh from the cob is best. Simply take a sharp knife, stand the cob up, and cut the kernels off. Use salt only sparingly, as salt makes the corn tough. A pinch of Florida cane sugar goes a long way to accentuate the natural sweetness of the corn. Sweet corn pairs perfectly with seafood, in particularly with Florida blue crabmeat.
Blue crabs are found along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. A shallow water crab, it can live in salt, fresh, and brackish waters. Florida blue crabs are prized for their sweet, soft, delicate, and low-fat meat. Right now we are in the peak of the blue crab season, which runs from July through October. To my palate, the combination of sweet corn and blue crab is a match made in culinary heaven. I will share two of my definite favorites. As always, recipes are merely guidelines; investigate, experiment and make them to your liking.
Article comments
1 - intuitive eggplant
Terrific combination of ingredients and two outstanding recipes, Lazaro! I must try that corn puree and your corn and crab chowder recipe is giving me just the inspiration I needed after receiving a surprise package of Iowa sweet corn in the mail from my sister. Thanks!
2 - La Diva Cucina
LOVE the corn/crab combo, well done Lazaro! I'm so glad you are good at writing serious articles! (not my style but I enjoy reading them!) So, when in Michigan recently, people were talking about Michigan sweet corn and said, "oh yeah, you don't get any locally grown corn in Florida." I beg to differ! I just got some in my co op box, thank you very much!
3 - Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron
I heart Florida and local produce. Thanks for sharing us a spotlight of each local ingredient and provide magnificent recipe!
4 - Cook with Madin
Lazaro, you always have fabulous recipes. I love blue crabs, I grew up eating them in the Philippines. Amazing combination of the crab and the sweet corn on a baguette, of course I'm not forgetting the lovely corn chowder with crab and tarragon emulsion.
Thanks for the tip not salting the corn too much.
5 - denise fletcher
Not just one, but a duo of inspiring (and inspired) recipes that are delightfully do-able.
Love the nod to Asia in the use of miso mayo and plum vinegar for the tostada. Corn chowder is a favourite and your version is simply stellar!
Kudos on your untiring efforts to promote natural, earth-friendly eating!!