Instructions: After waiting (im-) patiently through the dark months, we are busy enjoying the opulence of summer produce: those inimitable tastes of corn and tomatoes that reawaken our senses and evoke vivid memories of picnicking barefoot by the creek, eating Sunday dinner at Grandmas, or pulling warm cherry tomatoes off the pungent vine.

But sometimes we are disappointed by the summer produce we purchase. While corn and tomatoes look promising in the market bin, they can often lack the characteristic burst of flavor that we expect - and should demand - from summer produce.

How can you keep from being duped by produce that looks good, but tastes bland? The following guidelines will help you select corn and tomatoes that live up to your expectations.

Corn: The best is always the freshest. This is explained by one simple fact: corn begins to convert its natural sugar into starch immediately after being picked. While some varieties have been developed to still taste sugary days after being picked, those ears often lack the characteristic corn flavor and just taste sweet.

Buy locally, from a farm stand, farmers market, or quality produce store.

Ears will be hours instead of days old. Look for ears with plump stems and recent cuts. Husks should be vibrant green and silk should be golden or light brown strands, not a shriveled or pulpy mass. Examine some kernels at the top of the ear. Fresh kernels are shiny and contain a milky white liquid.

It is best to use corn immediately or at the latest within 24 hours of purchase. Keep husks on the ears until ready to use. When cooking, dont add salt to the water, as it makes kernels tougher.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a bit easier to select than corn. Since they are now readily available in shades of orange, yellow, green, and burgundy, however, you can no longer look to color as the main factor for selection.

Like corn, it is best to buy locally. Mass produced tomatoes available in supermarkets just dont compare in flavor with those bought from a small farm stand. Choose those that seem heavy for their size - an indicator that the tomato is juicy. Look for smooth, firm, unblemished skin, an obvious, fruity aroma, and flesh that yields slightly to pressure.

Use ripe tomatoes as soon as possible. If necessary, store tomatoes out of direct sunlight at room temperature; refrigeration will diminish tomato flavor.

If by chance you have purchased a couple of tomatoes that arent quite ripe, store them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas given off by these fruits will help the tomatoes ripen.

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