¿Ensalada? Está mejor con maíz

With the arrival of warm weather comes the desire to bring light, fresh, and balanced dishes to the table. Salads, enhanced with creativity, become the centerpiece of meals with family or friends: colorful and delicious, they're also a health bonus. Among the essential ingredients in the perfect salad is corn, a versatile and often overlooked grain, as nutritionist Massimiliano Piolanti explains: "Choosing a plant-based diet contributes to personal well-being: including corn among these helps ensure optimal intake of important nutrients for our body. Corn contains precious minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which is important for bone health, as well as essential vitamins such as vitamin E. Thanks to the presence of fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it can promote cardiovascular health and proper body function. Furthermore, Bonduelle corn is free of pesticide residues, added sugars, preservatives, and GMOs."

A source of vitamin B9 and one of the ideal foods for pregnancy, corn is also perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as it is naturally gluten-free. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It is also ideal for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, thanks to its low fermentability, and for athletes, as its starchy content helps replenish energy reserves after physical activity. Not to mention that its golden yellow kernels and sweet flavor make it a favorite food among children, too.

Everyone's crazy about corn

Bonduelle, founded in 1853 as a family business, is today a world leader in vegetable production, processing over 500 varieties grown on over 68,000 hectares worldwide, including Italy, where it operates two production facilities: one in San Paolo d'Argon, in the province of Bergamo, and the other in Battipaglia, in the province of Salerno. A promoter of regenerative agriculture through innovative and responsible farming practices that help preserve soil health and promote biodiversity, Bonduelle Italy became a B Corp in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Advocating a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which encourages regular vegetable consumption to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Bonduelle has made corn one of its signature products, launching it in Italy in 1970 and distinguishing itself through innovation and attention to quality. Bonduelle corn, crunchy and naturally sweet, is steamed and is very popular in Italy, as confirmed by a study by Bonduelle Italia of over 3,000 consumers. The study found that 69.5% of Italians regularly purchase corn, and 77% use it to enhance salads, confirming it as a key ingredient in fresh, summer dishes. The study also revealed that Italians add an average of four ingredients to salads, and corn remains among the most popular, with 46% of those interviewed citing it as the main ingredient. It is popular with salads such as lettuce, lamb's lettuce, and arugula, along with other vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, onions, and fennel. "For a complete and balanced dish," suggests Dr. Piolanti, "it's recommended to add a little protein, such as eggs, mozzarella, chicken, fish, or legumes, and season with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper." The Bonduelle website offers tons of delicious and nutritionally balanced salad recipes, as well as many other ideas for using corn as a base for polenta, risotto, soups, gourmet dishes, and even desserts. Get inspired!