Glass gem corn is not only the most beautiful corn, but it is also edible. Learn how to grow this beautiful corn.
Growing glass gem corn isn’t like growing traditional corn — it requires special attention. The stunning multicolored kernels of this rare variety of popcorn make it a unique addition to any garden. But before you can enjoy its beauty, you need to know how to care for the glass gem corn properly. Are you unsure of where to begin?
The process starts with choosing the right planting materials and soil for the job. You’ll also need to know the best time for planting and harvesting, as well as tips on drying glass gem corn properly and what methods can help ensure this giant popcorn pops just right.
When it comes down to it, knowing how to grow glass gem corn successfully is key in getting an amazing harvest every time. In this article, we’ll break down everything from planting material selection and big harvest yields, all the way through what temperatures are ideal for popping perfect popcorn that feature those beautiful rainbow-colored kernels we all love so much.
Can Glass Gem Corn Be Eaten?
Yes, glass gem corn can be eaten. It was originally grown to be ornamental, but it is also edible. The kernels of the corn can be used for popcorn or ground into cornmeal. To get the kernels, you will first have to dehydrate your corn. Blanching the gem corns for 5-7 minutes and then dehydrating them at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours will help remove the kernels from the cob and store them in an airtight container.
Harvesting glass gem corn requires some skill as you need to look for a milky liquid when you pierce a kernel. Before harvesting your corn, make sure the ears of corn are ready to remove from the stalks and wait until three weeks after when it appears silky before peeling back some of the husk. When pierced with a finger, watch for a milky liquid to leak out which indicates that it is ready to harvest.
Glass gem corn is not as sweet as normal corn and has its own unique flavor which makes it best used as popcorn or ground into meal rather than eating it raw or boiled like other types of corns. It can also be used in arts and crafts such as mosaics due its multi-colored appearance which makes it an ideal centerpiece on dining room tables or fireplaces during Thanksgiving season.
Does Glass Gem Corn Make Good Popcorn?
Glass Gem corn is a unique variety of corn that has a wide range of colors and characteristics. It is a warm season annual in the grass family and takes 100 to 110 days to grow from seed to harvest. Depending on your climate, you can either start the seeds indoors or directly sow them in the garden. While it is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it can also be used for popping or grinding into flour or meal.
The question of whether Glass Gem corn makes good popcorn depends on several factors. Firstly, you need to make sure that you are planting it in ideal conditions such as rich soil with an ideal temperature of 75-80 F and spacing of 12 inches apart. Additionally, planting in blocks instead of one long row will ensure good pollination and full ears. Thinning seedlings to 8 inches apart will also help with better growth and yield.
Once these requirements are met, Glass Gem corn can make great popcorn. It has a spectrum of flint and popping corn characteristics which makes it perfect for popping into fluffy kernels with a delicious taste. Furthermore, because it comes in so many different colors, you can have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations.
In conclusion, if all the necessary conditions are met then Glass Gem corn makes great popcorn. Its unique color variations combined with its flinty characteristics make this variety perfect for popping up some delicious treats.
How Do You Dry Glass Gem Corn For Popping?
When it comes to drying glass gem corn for popping, it is important to ensure that the kernels are hard before processing them for food. This can be achieved by allowing the corn to dry at least two months after picking. During this time, the moisture level within the kernels will decrease, leading to a better popping success rate.
The ideal temperature for drying glass gem corn is between 75-80°F and should be planted in blocks with 12″ spacing and 4-5′ height. It is important to note that frost can damage this type of corn, so it should not be exposed to cold weather during the drying process. Additionally, it is recommended that you direct sow into the richest soil available 1-2 weeks before last spring frost and succession planting can also help prolong harvest.
To begin preparing glass gem popcorn for popping, you will need a large pot with a lid and 3 Tbsp of coconut oil. Heat up the oil until a test piece of popcorn pops; when done correctly, you should add 1/3 cup of dried Glass Gem corn kernels into the pot and put on its lid before removing from heat for 30 seconds. It is also recommended that you wear gloves when shelling corn as jewels like these can be saved and grown again in your next garden. Once all these steps are complete, your Glass Gem popcorn should be ready for consumption.
Can You Eat Glass Gem Corn Raw?
Glass Gem corn is a beautiful rainbow variety of corn developed by Carl Barnes, an Oklahoma farmer who is part Cherokee. It has a starchy texture, which makes it ideal for milling into flour. However, while it may be tempting to eat glass gem corn raw, this is not recommended.
When the cob of glass gem corn is still soft and the stalk is still green, it can technically be eaten raw. However, due to its starchy texture and lack of flavor when uncooked, it may not be very enjoyable to eat in this form. Additionally, one of the main reasons people are drawn to glass gem corn is its vibrant colors; unfortunately these colors do not remain after popping or cooking.
Cooking glass gem corn will bring out its natural sweetness and enhance its flavors as well as preserve the beautiful colors that make it so unique. There are many different ways to cook this special type of corn including boiling or steaming it on the cob or grinding up the kernels for use in baking recipes such as muffins or breads. For those looking for a more savory option, glass gem kernels can also be used in soups and salads or roasted with other vegetables for a flavorful side dish.
When considering whether to eat glass gem corn raw or cooked, there are several factors that should be taken into account such as taste preference and nutritional value. While cooking will bring out more flavor in the kernels and retain their vibrant coloration, eating them raw may provide more nutrients since some vitamins are lost during cooking processes like boiling or steaming. Ultimately though, eating glass gem corn raw should only be done if you’re sure that you’ll enjoy its taste; otherwise cooking them would likely provide a much better experience overall.
How Do You Know When To Harvest Glass Gem Corn?
When it comes to harvesting glass gem corn, timing is key. Glass gem corn takes 100 to 110 days from seed to harvest, so you’ll need to keep track of when you planted your crop. You can use a gardening journal or calendar to help you remember when the seeds were sown and when the plants should be ready for harvest. As the plants grow, they will produce tassels on top of the stalk which will release pollen grains onto the corn silk that grows from the tips of the ears. When this process is complete, it’s time to harvest your glass gem corn.
You can tell that your glass gem corn is ready for harvesting by looking at its color and texture. The kernels should be plump and glossy with a deep yellow or orange hue – depending on variety – and feel firm when pinched between your fingers. If you’re unsure if it’s ready yet, try tasting one kernel – if it tastes sweet then it’s likely ready for harvesting. Another way to tell if your glass gem corn is ripe for picking is by examining its husks; they should be dry and papery in texture with no signs of greenness or wetness left on them.
Finally, make sure that you are regularly checking on your crop throughout its growing season as some varieties may mature quicker than others due to environmental factors such as temperature or soil conditions. To ensure that all of your glass gem corn reaches peak ripeness before harvesting, pay close attention to how quickly each plant matures and pick accordingly so that none of them go overripe.