Polenta is corn that is dried, ground and cooked like a porridge. You can purchase it pre-cooked in tubes, par-cooked, or raw. Most dried polentas are par-cooked to shorten the cooking time; otherwise

Like many vegetables with a limited season, they are preserved to be eaten later, such as pickling, which reduces the harsh onion bite and makes a delicious accompaniment to salads or grilled meats