Today we learn that the battle for vegetal supremacy over the state of New York has (almost) come to an end, with corn poised to secure the coveted title of official state vegetable from the underground underdog, onions. Although the winner hasn't been officially announced, gambling men and government insiders are placing a strong handicap on zea mays in advance of the Senate's final word.
As previously reported, it's been a vicious fight, with dueling bills and aggressive campaigning on both sides. Onions fought the good fight, but in the end, they just weren't sweet enough. "While the onion is an acquired taste for many, most New Yorkers enjoy sweet corn from the day their first teeth grow in until their teeth start falling out," wrote pro-corn advocate Timothy Kennedy. Other supporters point out that corn is the state's largest crop, and generates some $70 million in cash receipts. Still more lawmakers (we're looking at you, Cathy Young) were torn, unable to decide between the two vegetables, and turned to the public for help.
Well, the public has spoken, and it apparently doesn't care about Bloomin' Onions or their purported health benefits. In deference to kettle corn, chowder, and batter-fried cobs, we salute you, corn.
