Fresh sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata) is harvested while the kernels are young, tender, and sweet. Unlike field corn grown for animal feed, cornmeal, corn syrup, ethanol, and processed foods, sweet corn is cultivated specifically for fresh eating. Its crisp, juicy kernels provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid. Sweet corn also provides thiamin (vitamin B1), folate, vitamin C, and magnesium. It is at its best shortly after harvest, when the kernels are especially tender and their sugar content is highest, making fresh, locally grown summer corn particularly flavorful and nutrient-rich.