History of the Copes Corn Brand
The story of Copes corn starts over a century ago in 1919, when Irish immigrant Thomas Copes first began a small cannery called T.A. Copes and Sons in New Egypt, New Jersey. Focusing exclusively on packing sweet corn, the canned goods quickly became popular for their exceptionally sweet, petite kernels compared to larger field corn varieties.
Quality Focus
Copes insisted on carefully controlling every step of the corn production and packing process to deliver consistent quality. The corn was hand-picked daily at the peak of ripeness to capture optimum sweetness and rushed to the cannery within hours to be cleaned, cut from the cobs and canned.
Growth & Acquisition
Over subsequent decades, the Copes corn brand grew considerably and merged with several other canned vegetable companies. It was eventually acquired by B&G Foods in 1997 and continues to be one of the top selling canned sweet corn brands in the US today.
How Copes Corn is Grown
Copes only selects the very best sweet corn hybrids to meet their exceptional quality standards for canned corn products. The seeds are grown across a network of farmers to ensure peak harvest timing for packing.
Sweet Corn Varieties
Copes grows specialty sweet corn hybrids that have been perfected for flavor, texture and yield over many generations. Popular varieties include Jubilee, Providence and Candalac. All contain the naturally occurring sugary gene that gives sweet corn its signature sweetness and tender crisp bite.
Peak Harvest
The sweet corn is harvested by hand during an extremely short window at the absolute prime of ripeness, just as the kernels reach their maximum sugar content and before starch conversion begins. This captures the corn's peak sweetness and delicate texture.
Rushed to Cannery
After swift hand picking, the freshly harvested corn is rushed to the canning facilities. Special refrigerated trucks transport the sweet corn so it moves from field to can in under 8 hours. This preserves crispness and flavor.
Canning Process
Copes corn follows a meticulous canning process optimized over generations to deliver that perfect texture and flavor in every can.
Cleaning & Cutting
The freshly picked corn first goes through a thorough cleaning to remove any stray silk or debris without compromising the delicate kernels. Then in one quick motion, machines strip the corn from the cobs before it has a chance to lose any sweetness or moisture.
Packing
A feeder system gently transfers the cut corn directly into cans where it is loosely packed. Minimal processing and handling retains the signature crisp-tender bite of Copes corn.
Sealing
The filled cans are sealed and go through an automated double check for any defects. Proper sealing ensures safety and shelf stability.
Sterilization
The canned sweet corn is sterilized using pressurized steam heat to destroy any potential pathogens or spoilage microbes, locking in safety and shelf life.
Nutritional Benefits
Canned sweet corn like Copes is nutritious as well as delicious. It provides important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
Vitamin C
Sweet corn delivers a dose of antioxidant vitamin C to support immunity, collagen production and iron absorption.
Folate
Essential for DNA synthesis and growth, the natural folate in corn also helps prevent birth defects when consumed early in pregnancy.
Beta Carotene
Corn contains beta carotene that converts to active vitamin A, supporting eye health and vision. Beta carotene is also a powerful antioxidant compound.
Beta Cryptoxanthin
Another beneficial carotenoid in corn, beta cryptoxanthin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that promote wellness.
Fiber
Corn provides a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber that supports digestive health, gut microbiota, regularity, and heart health.
Tips for Selecting & Storing
Choosing the right canned corn and storing it properly helps maintain quality and locking in that signature sweet flavor.
Check Condition
Avoid cans with any large dents, rust, bulging sides or leaks which can allow spoilage or alter quality.
Use By Date
Check the use by or best by date and only select cans that are within date for best quality.
Refrigerate After Opening
Keep leftover canned corn in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Discard if smell or appearance changes.
Store Unopened Cans in Cool, Dry Area
An unopened can of Copes corn will last 2-5 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place around 70F away from direct heat or sunlight.
Delicious Serving Ideas
Beyond just eating sweet corn straight from the can, Copes corn can be used to make all sorts of delicious recipes.
Salads
Chilled Copes corn brightens up greens and grain salads. Toss with tomatoes, avocado, beans, vinaigrette and herbs for easy summer salads.
Sides
Enjoy Copes corn simply heated as a sweet vegetable side. Mix in poblano and red bell pepper for corn salsa to serve with tacos, chicken or burgers.
Chowders & Soups
The petite corn kernels work perfectly for corn chowder. Add to chicken noodle or minestrone soups for extra texture and sweetness.
Casseroles and Bakes
Incorporate Copes corn into classic comfort food casseroles and bakes like corn pudding, corn bread stuffing, or scalloped corn mixes.
With its long history of quality and authentic sweet corn flavor, Copes remains a beloved staple brand found in many pantries. Enjoy the convenient canned format to add sweet, crisp corn goodness into your favorite recipes and sides all year round.
FAQs
How is Copes corn different from other canned corn?
Copes corn is specially grown and packed to have smaller, sweeter kernels compared to large field corn varieties typically used for canning.
Does canned corn lose nutrients?
While some vitamin C is lost in the canning process, most other nutrients like vitamin A, fiber and iron remain intact for nutritious canned corn.
Is canned corn already cooked?
Yes, the canning process involves cooking the corn. Heating canned corn just warms it up since the sterilization step already essentially cooks it.
What are some recipe ideas with canned corn?
Try using Copes corn for salads, salsas, casseroles, soups and chowders. Mix with peppers, beans, grains and herbs for quick sides.
How long does unopened canned corn last?
Properly stored in a cool, dry place, unopened canned Copes corn will last 2-5 years before quality starts to decline.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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