Tess, I had the same experience with baby corn which I allowed to grow on, it was pale and tasteless with few juicy kernels. My favourite variety for sweet cobs (badgers permitting) is Sweet Nugget F1. I do find the hybrids to have sweeter and fuller cobs, and there are plenty of varieties to choose from. Some mature earlier and some later, so check the small print, according to when you want them. Early varieties make slightly smaller cobs so mid season ones are often best.
Re strawberries, I shall leave that to someone else as I am growing only summer varieties at the moment (Sonata, is excellent).