A while back I was in the Circle Center Mall with the kiddos and I came across somethin so bizarre…
A corn kiosk:
You’re all like Wha?!? too, right?
Yes. Corn in a cup.
Overpriced corn in a cup.
It’s frozen, not even fresh. It’s not even locally sourced and then frozen.
“CORN IN A CUP?!? What the actual fuck?!?”
The kids weren’t fazed by this. They were all, “So?”
Fortunately, a pair of elders was nearby, and as I stopped to photograph it, the female elder and I had a lil chat about the fuckery, the highway robbery, the insult to corn itself.
Corn is at most a dollar an ear, here, fresh — FRESH! There are times at the end of summer when you can buy a fresh ear of sweet corn for ten cents! Why the fuck would I buy a ten-ounce cup of corn for six dollars?!?
People do this?!?
Is this Indiana tourism at work? Corn in a cup?!? Are these throughout the corn belt or what?
I gotta tell ya, it felt like a parody. A crime. Sacrilege.
People, Hoosiers do not eat corn in a cup. We eat it boiled fast, simmered slow, roasted on the grill, creamed, charred in a skillet, heavily buttered and salted, ground into meal and grits, popped, WE EVEN EAT CORN CASSEROLE — lotsa, lotsa ways to eat corn — but in all my life I’ve never eaten frozen corn steamed and poured into a cup!
Corn in a cup. Well, I never!
So I looked it up, and apparently, a man from Turkey is responsible for this corn in a cup atrocity. He attributed the idea to similar stands in international markets. For instance, Mexico, where corn on the cob is grilled and topped by street vendors.
Corn on the cob, I think is the key phrase here.
We corn-fed people are partial to our COBS.
“That corn-in-a-cup thing is pretty big in Europe. It’s a very healthy snack. Even if you eat a lot, it doesn’t make you feel bad.”
There are topping choices for the corn.
I’m not even kiddin — hot sauce, parmesan, sour cream, lemon pepper, barbecue sauce. The man from Turkey says he likes his with barbecue sauce and parmesan.
Lawd.
What is the world comin to?
Have you ever? Would you ever? Are you stunned? Bemused? Horrified?
Nope. Not even. It does remind me of the “taco in a bag” thing though. I just dont get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I KNOW!
ARRRGH!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I eat corn in the cob a lot…. but I also eat canned corn….. I put it in a bowl and add milk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As is your right. What do you think of corn in a cup, though? Would you try it? Would you come here and think that’s the norm?
LikeLike
I’ll eat it……. but not that one on your post….. they’re kidding if they think people will fall for that $ 6 a cup corn. We just bought fresh corn at our neighbhood supermarket…. 5 corns for a dollar. ( We bought 10 pieces ) We just boiled them ( with salt ) …. what a hearty snack !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmhm. Quite right.
LikeLike
Corn in a cup. Learn something new everyday. And then wonder what this world is coming to. *shudders*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can you even? I cannot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just ain’t right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Corn on the cob is the BEST! We BBQ it, after it has been slathered in butter and drizzled generously with soy sauce. Try it!!! Delish 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I believe you, I like mine with butter, salt, pepper, and a dash of parsley.
LikeLike
I am thrilled. I would eat that! I would eat it with parmesan, or butter, or lemon pepper, or sour cream. I would WAY eat it with lime and chipotle. I would be all GIMMEE!!! My first choice in corn is fresh. My second is frozen. My third is canned. My fourth is anyhow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well I’ll be! You come up here, Marian, and I’ll buy you a cup of corn! LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Parmesan I can see…maybe, but Parmesan AND BBQ? Now that’s just nasty!
I’m old fashioned with my sweet corn on the COB. I like it grilled or steamed, spritzed with butter and sprinkled with a little salt, and occasionally paprika and garlic. Mmm. Delicious! ;P
And of course I’m a southern girl so I gotta have my grits! And yes, I do sometimes char some canned corn in the skillet.
Only corn in a cup I’ll eat is corn chowder, and it’d better be fresh!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mmmhm. Yup.
Mmm, corn chowder! 😛
Thank you for your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I NEVER! Shoot em with a “pop” gun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this post. Here is South Africa we call corn on the cob, “mielies” pronounced “meelees” We boil them, microwave them or wrap them in tinfoil and barbecue them in the “braai” coals. They’re served with butter and salt and pepper. Delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s as it should be 🙂 And thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I uh…. so this concept has been there since years in India. It’s popular in malls and cafeterias and theatres. I thought it was normal… but we get fresh corn. In a cup. Topped with lemon juice and spices.
*quietly looks around*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. But it’s fresh. Fresh goes a long way! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honest to God, I thought it was some kind of bait vendor. We used corn kernels to catch trout as a kid. It works great too. I would never order frozen corn in a cup, just no.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, yup! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We call it elote here. It is a Mexican thing and absolutely delicious topped with butter, sour cream, queso fresco, and a pepper paste. Spicy! Mmmmm. I would not, however, pay more than $2.00 for it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cause $6 cuppa frozen corn is wrong, I don’t care what you put on it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe put a 2lb lobster tail on it, and I’ll pay six bucks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you stunned? Bemused? Horrified? – ALL of the above because Tandoori seasoning is not an option.
Would I pay $6.00 a cup? pfft. Hell no. Would I pay 6 cents a cup? NO! I do not buy my corn at a food court. I just don’t.
All I can suggest is to watch that space – if he succeeds, power to him, but I expect that the market decide: cup or cob.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmhm, cuppa frozen corn, comin to a mall near you! 😛
It opened April 28, and it wasn’t open on a Friday afternoon, so we shall see.
LikeLike
Er.. …. no!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you stand in front of that sign and point while laughing hysterically? That’s probably what I would do. What’s next, squash on a stick?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t laugh, no. I was so stunned and then, obviously mortified by the idea of people buying overpriced frozen corn in a cup, I couldn’t find the humor!
Squash on a stick is FAR too phallic for Indiana — but, maybe over Pride weekend…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha!!! It would have been funny if the corn was actually frozen on a stick. Cornsicles! Or popcorn frozen on a stick. Popcornsicles! Sorry, it just had to be said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That corny kiosk would’ve confused me. I also prefer my corn on the cob.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I legit asked, “Is this for real?!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well certainly any kind of corn is healthier than other things they sell at the mall! However, nothing beats fresh corn on the cob. I image Indiana has some of the best but here is NorCal it’s mighty tasty as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would say it’s all relative to where you’re from – in Japanese grocery stores, strawberries were $80/dozen – but yeah. If you can buy a quarter pound bag of frozen corn in the grocery store like you do here for $3, somebody’s got a good thing going there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s QUITE a …Is snake oil a topping? Perhaps I’m only upset I didn’t think of it first, LOL — NO.
LikeLike
Hahaha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As someone who’s married to a Hoosier, I gotta say, “Get that shit outta here!” With any luck, the free market will slap this abomination down, quickly, and leave no sign of its passing. Oh, and ‘yes’ to corn casserole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
I’m always down for corn casserole! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up with a mother who would not and did not eat corn – ever. She said that growing up, corn was animal feed and humans just did not eat corn.
But I like corn – a lot – and I like mine naked. No butter, no salt, no anything. With a mother who didn’t *serve* corn, I just didn’t know any better, and when I finally did, it didn’t matter.
Would I buy a cup of corn? Nope … unless it comes as Nortina said, as a chowder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People seem to forget far too often PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS.
Well, I feel bad for her, really, cause I think salty butter corn is one of the best things about life 🙂
How you like your corn naked? That’s the way I like brussel sprouts. Just cooked. No nothin. Oh, sure, they’re good with bacon and vinegar, and with cheese, but I just like mine naked 🙂
LikeLike
People ARE animals. I missed the obvious argument!! Where were you when I was growing up? … oh yeah, not born yet 😉
Naked brussel sprouts are good too … although better with parmesan cheese 🙂
… and there is no bad corn. Anyway is a good way to eat corn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I reject frozen then steamed corn in a cup. I reject it fully.
I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you growing up. I was probably too busy being a sassy old lady 😛
LikeLike
Sadly Joey … I’d probably still eat it … as long as someone else paid for it 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fair enough. I think that makes 4 or 5 of you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh. My. Goodness. You’re so damn funny, Joey. Thanks so much for the giggle. I agree–corn in a cup….with toppings….WTF! 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
*rolls eyes at corn cups with Tonya*
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
I went all those places you did with it and maybe more: the cobs, the fresh, the price, the GRILLING. Then I thought why not? It’s the toppings we all want anyway, so give me some hot corn with melted butter and salt and pepper. But $3-6? And who would eat the large? Somebody who wants some fancy toilet decoration in the morning?
LikeLiked by 1 person
But you see, melted butter and salt and pepper are not options… that’s part of the appeal, I suppose. I can’t even.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s stupid then. It’s an outrage to put other stuff on your corn. Parm maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No. Corn on the cob for me with butter-n-salt. I will cut it off the cob if I’m being polite, but I’d really rather just eat it right off the cob. Yum!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes ma’am, that’s where it’s at for me, too 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next thing you know, frozen peas will be offered. Unbelievable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With parm and bbq sauce and who knows what else! Gah!
LikeLike
That is the dumbest thing I have seen. What fools buy that shit?
LikeLiked by 1 person
LMAO! You got a right good snort outta me! Thank you for your support! I dunno WHO eats it. Marian said she would. I guess there are a lot of Marians? The guy opened it April 28.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Has Marian been to Aldis? You can get a 16 ounce can of corn for about 55 cents. Just sayin’
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do not know about Marian, but I know 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can buy a 16 oz bag of frozen organic corn for less than the $3.00 small cup. I don’t eat much corn these days (I’ll make an exception when the fresh corn on the COB is in season), but I would never buy that corn in a cup crap. Nope, never.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? COBS are where it’s at. I mean, if Imma buy overpriced corn, it’s gonna be on a COB, for starters! Crap is right. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d not buy corn in a cup at those prices! I like it fine, but I’ll make mine at home, thank you very much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
YESSS.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yuck. The ad is boring AND the bland looking corn appears to be in a STYROFOAM cup. I hate Styrofoam. It does not break down like paper. It just hangs around forever cluttering up the earth. If the corn was in a paper cup, I’d have to be pretty darn hungry to buy it and have no other options. Corn is Soooo much better on the cob when cooked right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Styrofoam cup and a plastic spoon, JoAnna! Hah!
I love me some corn on the cob. Had some tonight. Done right. By me. Cost me thirty-eight cents for FOUR ears!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, that’s a good deal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What the actual fuck? He better switch over to ice cream or something. This reminds me that I have four ears of fresh corn in the fridge that need to be cooked. If I cook enough other stuff, maybe the heathens won’t touch it and leave it all for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? I cooked up four ears last night, and NOPE, the people ate it. I was perhaps in error by also offering asparagus… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those prices are high, but I would probably eat that. With Parmesan. Yeah, I love corn. I’m not sayin it’s a good idea, or that I hope he succeeds, but I’d have a hard time walking by without buying some.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please do not let Ohio see what Indiana is doing. We have lots of corn over here, too. I mean, if you’re going to serve corn, at least have the good sense to pop it and put something yummy on it. Really. What a dumb idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmmhm. Time will tell. I’ve been surprised by how many of my readers would eat it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huh? That sounds like something good to eat to people? Okie dokie then… who am I to judge?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same.
I did a lot of ‘Oh my-ing’ yesterday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can get somewhere in the neighborhood of what, three whole cans of corn for $3. The guy must have been high when he came up with this idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heh. Maybe!
LikeLike
I only find myself in malls by accident. Nothing good happens there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That time, it was the boy one’s idea, cause video games.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Have you ever? Would you ever? Are you stunned? Bemused? Horrified?”
I think…I’ma let my candy bar do the answering for me on this one:
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s on par with someone serving “New Orleans/Creole” cuisine in Wyoming. Just absolutely positively fucking NOPE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I make a damn good roux and gumbo, but I hasten to add, FOR A NORTHERNER, cause I gotcha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry to say that I am not that keen on corn, and the thought of it frozen then reheated in a cup does not fill me with joy. no wonder you are so cross about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL Thanks, Judy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whaaa?? Corn. In a cup. I’m not from your region and *I’m* offended for your people. Good grief.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your support in this matter.
LikeLike
My first thought was “wow, that’s some expensive corn” and then to read it isn’t even fresh or local…or even “a thing”. I’m both bemused and horrified at the same time. I’ve seen plenty of grilled corn stands at functions in Florida, even at the Mexico stand at the Local Colors Festival, but in a cup… nope, never have seen that. lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Uh, yeah, this was a very bad, confusing moment for me. I hold hostility in my heart over a cuppa corn.
I’m glad you’re bemused and horrified as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, just no. Corn in a cup is not a thing in Europe. We like our corn on their god-given cobs! Preferably roasted, with some butter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmhm! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😦 Corn is breeding people. Unlike most things, it can’t even catch hold in the soil without a human (ok, machine) planting it just so. Reading that book, but you knew that. (“The Omnivore’s Dilemma”. Scary shit.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I did read that book, but I preferred The Botany of Desire.
I grow corn without machine, without chemicals, so I don’t find it difficult at all, it just needs a nice mound. Still grows wild in some places, ya know.
Now, Corn as a business, not a fan… truly. Not all about that.
Still not eatin corn in a freakin cup. *shakes head*
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s still early days in the book, but I’m rather alarmed. Just like how at first, when your country emerged, people were alcoholics due to cheap corn booze (so much so that the Prohibition was next), now we are all overeaters due to cheap corn-fuelled fast food, sweets and soft drinks. The fact how they oversized our stomachs to make us spend more on food is a crime. Since I’m not American (and usually don’t read stuff like that), I’m appalled and want a revolution, please. The fact that now they try to sell you corn as such, entire, and expensive too, is an especially “nice” touch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree there are issues, and I think the clean eating movement is the revolution.
Prohibition was early 20th century, and related to early feminism and the temperance movement, not so much corn. Not that moonshine is innocent…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know what’s worse, the owner of building for clearly committing sacrilege to all Hoosiers with this shit, or the Turkish guy. I’m going with the owner because Turkish guy is just making a buck and came up with the idea. Corn in a cup is the dumbest culinary I have ever heard of, right behind boiled peanuts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that the worst?!? Ugh! Thanks for your support!
LikeLike