Have a corn-tastic day

Minnesota knows corn is more than just a side dish, which is maybe why we grow a lot of it — like 14.9 billion bushels of corn a year “a lot”. As a state, we produce everything from field corn (used to make ethanol, diapers, plastics, and more) to the beloved juicy, sweet corn. Sure, Iowa might talk a big corn game, but here in the Star of the North, we’ve got kernels of history, culture and creativity wrapped up in every ear. 

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I really like corn

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When you think of Minnesota cuisine, walleye, wild rice, and Hmong sausage might spring to mind—but sweet corn? That’s a non-negotiable. It’s one of our twelve most iconic dishes and ingredients, holding its own among the state’s culinary heavyweights.

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EXPLORE ICONIC FOODS >>

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Ever since i was told corn was real, it’s tasted good

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Gustavo and Kate Romero highlight corn in almost every dish at Oro by Nixta. While the U.S. grows only 4 varieties of corn, the Romeros aim to create culinary dishes with Mexico’s 59 heirloom corn varieties. The tortillas alone are so good, you’ll never look at a grocery store 20 count the same way again.

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READ THEIR BON APPETIT FEATURE >>

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I TRIED IT WITH BUTTER AND EVERYTHING CHANGED

the corn roast booth at the state fair goes through 4,000 pounds of butter every year.

MORE FAIR FACTS HERE >>

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I CAN’T IMAGINE A MORE BEAUTIFUL THING

Broadway knows corn belongs in the spotlight, too. Shucked, featuring MN-born Caroline Innerbichler, is a musical love letter to our golden grain.

a big lump with knobs

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Why just eat corn, when you can get lost in it? Minnesota corn mazes are perfect for fall adventures, autumn selfies, and brushing up on your navigation skills. Start plotting now, but check the corn maze’s website of your choice, as many are still updating 2025 dates. P.S. some mazes turn into literal works of art — recent designs produced locally include a Minnesota Timberwolves logo, a headless horseman and a Minnesota state map.

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IT’S OKAY TO BE CORNY >>

IT HAS THE JUICE

Mark your calendars: August 18 we’re dropping a new YouTube food recipe featuring Hayden Haas’ favorite State Fair dish.

In the meantime, slurp one of Hayden’s crowd favorites — his potato corn chowder.

GET THE CORN CAMEO >>

SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE >>

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If you come to me, i can tell you all about it

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With over 140 MN Grown sweet corn farms, you’re not just eating well; you’re supporting our farmers who keep corn culture thriving. MN Grown makes it easy to find these farms with their accurate and easy-to-understand map. (Shoutout to everyone who has detasseled corn as a summer job).

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FIND THE LOCALS THAT RAISE HAPPY CORN >>

special thank you

TO THE CEO OF CORN

The corn video we love to watch every year and is the inspiration for this issue’s titles >>

from top to bottom: Ear of Corn Water Tower in Rochester, photo by Anne Paterson  |  Valleyfair Corn Fest in Shakopee, photo by Valleyfair |  Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Andrew Parks  |  Crop Art at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Andrew Parks  |  Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, photo by Paul Vincent  |  Oro by Nixta in Minneapolis, photo by Travis Anderson |  Owamni in Minneapolis, photo by Dawn Blanchard  |  Shucked video still from Broadway America  |  Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze in Brooklyn Park, photo