My husband is always joking that I’m that person that the farmers at the market have crazy names for, because I am always asking questions to try to find the best quality foods for my family. I want to find out whether the farmers grow their fruits and veggies without the use of pesticides and chemicals and if the grass-fed animals are fed grains. Another issue is finding foods that are not genetically modified. What are genetically modified foods, and why does it matter?
What is genetically modified corn?
Genetically modified corn plants have strains of DNA changed to create new characteristics in the plant, such as being able to spray lots of poison on the corn without killing the plant, or creating corn that produces its own toxins that kill unwanted caterpillars.
The FDA claims that this corn is the same as corn that is not modified, but studies are proving otherwise. Recent studies have shown that consumption of genetically modified corn led to organ failure and weight gain in animals and the chemicals that are being sprayed are known to cause infertility, hormonal problems, cancer and birth defects.
How can you avoid genetically modified sweet corn?
Currently there are two great ways to avoid GMO corn.
- Ask your farmer if they plant GMO corn. Right now there are only two varieties of sweet corn sold in the USA: Monsanto’s Performance and Sygenta’s Attribute.
- Buy certified organic sweet corn. Organic standards currently forbid GMO crops, so if you are buying organic then you know that you are getting a crop that has not been genetically modified.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced
- 1/4 cup of basil leaves (plus basil for garnish)
- 4 ears sweet corn
- salt and pepper to taste
- chives for garnish
Instructions
- Chop basil as finely as possible.
- In a medium skillet melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic, corn and basil and stir until corn is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped chives and basil leaves, if desired.
inspired by Bobby Flay
sources:
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2012/03/study-genetically-modified-corn-increases-body-weight-in-rats.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/monsantos-gmo-corn-linked_n_420365.html
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/green_sustainable/clearing_up_the_confusion_about_genetically_modified_corn
Simple but looks delicious!
Great piece…have to be so careful.
I love simple dishes like this.
Monsanto is a monster the way they have taken over crops with their gmo’s.
That is so true, Kristen. I really don’t understand how people can stand to work for them! Thanks for hosting the improv challenge! I enjoy it :)
oooooooh! You said “Basil Butter” — wow! Anything with garlic & corn just has to be terrific!
Butter makes everything better, doesn’t it? :)
Love this recipe! It’s very colourful and combines so many delicious flavours!
Thanks, Amber :)
I love this post! I always buy organic anyway but I did not know about genetically modified corn. That’s terrible!! What is the world coming to, honestly? It seems like comment sense to me that people can figure out that if you spray something meant to kill another living being, that it will probably have at least some negative side effects for humans as well. Jeez. Ok, so now that I have that off my chest… Thank you so much for the information as well as the wonderfully fresh recipe! This corn sounds like perfection and I adore the use of basil in it.
It is kind of amazing how they create these “monstrous” gmo foods. I wonder what the people who design them are thinking of, I guess they’re probably just out for profit.
It was my pleasure to share the recipe. Hope you enjoy it, Kate! Have a good one.
I guess that is what it is, profit. It’s kind of sad really. We all just have to be aware so thank you for the information.
How lovely. Basil and corn would be a lovely combo. I look forward to trying it.
Thanks, France. We really enjoyed it and thought that the corn paired with basil was a tasty combo.
Great info on the GMO corn, I never knew. Your fried sweet corn sounds wonderful.
If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my Improv Cooking Challenge entry: Fritos Crusted Pollock.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook
I love the simple explanation you give for GMOs. It is one of my biggest concerns and I believe they are responsible for far more of this nation’s health issues than are currently being reported. My fingers are crossed that Californian’s are wise enough to pass the proposition requiring labeling of GMOs on Tuesday!! Your recipe is brilliant in its simplicity. Thank you for sharing both the incredibly important information and a beautiful recipe!
I hope they pass that GMO proposition as well! GMO’s are scary stuff!
[...] How to Avoid Genetically Modified Corn {+ recipe for fried sweet corn with basil butter}- They are now selling multiple varieties of genetically modified sweet corn. Learn how to avoid it as well as make a delicious fried corn with basil butter. [...]