When it comes to items from our produce department, corn might just hold the title for “Most Summery Vegetable.” There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy ear of fresh summer corn-on-the-cob (and we definitely won’t judge if that corn just happens to be dripping in butter!). Some of our very favorite corn comes from local producer Vierra Farms in West Sacramento. Fifth-generation farmer David Vierra runs the farm (which is also the home of fall-favorite Dave’s Pumpkin Patch), where he also raises watermelons, heirloom tomatoes, hard winter squash and broccoli — more than 800 acres of specialty vegetables in all. This summer, look for Vierra Farms’ white and bi-colored corn in our produce departments, and enjoy the flavors of the season.

Health Notes from Dr. Liz:

“This must-have vegetable at summertime meals comes with a wealth of nutrients — notably folate, a B vitamin that is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and protecting your heart and circulation. Corn also supplies beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid that may protect against lung and other types of cancer.” — Dr. Liz Applegate, Director of Sports Nutrition at UC Davis