Glass Gem Corn is a colorful and eye-catching variety of heirloom corn that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s easy to grow, harvest, dry, and cook with this unique type of corn – but what exactly is glass gem corn?
In this blog post we’ll explore the origins and uses for glass gem corn as well as provide tips on how to successfully plant, harvest, dry and cook it.
From planting your first crop through enjoying its many culinary possibilities – get ready to learn all about growing Glass Gem Corn.
Introduction to Glass Gem Corn
In the early 1990s, an Oklahoma farmer by the name of Carl Barnes chanced upon this distinctive type of corn while harvesting his crop, leading to its rising popularity in recent times.
Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially due to its vibrant colors and interesting shape.
History of Glass Gem Corn:
The story behind this special type of corn began when Carl Barnes noticed some unusually colorful kernels among his regular yellow field corn harvest. He collected these colorful kernels and planted them separately from the rest of his crop, eventually discovering what would later be known as Glass Gem Corn.
After sharing pictures online, interest in this new variety quickly spread around the world and today it is widely available for purchase both online and at seed stores across the United States.
Characteristics of Glass Gem Corn:
One thing that makes glass gem corn so unique is its beautiful array of colors ranging from deep reds to bright blues to shimmering yellows – all within one single ear. Its kernel size also varies greatly with some being small like popcorn while others are larger than typical field corns’ sizes.
Additionally, each individual cob can have multiple colors on it which adds even more visual appeal to this already stunning plant.
Growing glass gem corn is a great way to add diversity into your garden without sacrificing quality or flavor, making it perfect for those looking for something truly unique.
It also provides many benefits for gardeners such as not having to worry about too much or too little yield since you can easily adjust your planting based on how many cobs you want per row or acreage.
Furthermore, since glass gem corns are open-pollinated they will produce seeds that are true-to-type meaning if you save them year after year there won’t be any surprises when replanting next season.
Glass Gem Corn is a beautiful and unique type of corn that can be grown in the garden, offering an array of benefits to its growers.
Now let’s look at how you can plant and grow this amazing variety of corn.
Planting and Growing Glass Gem Corn
When it comes to planting and growing glass gem corn, selecting the right location is key. This type of corn prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a spot that gets plenty of sunshine.
A nutrient-rich, well-draining soil is essential for successful glass gem corn growth; if needed, augment the ground with compost or other natural material prior to planting.
Preparing the soil for planting is also important for successful growth. Till the top 12 inches of soil to loosen it up and remove any weeds or debris that may be present.
Incorporate some type of nourishment or compost to give your plants the nutrients they need for their development. For guidance on which fertilizer to employ, consult your nearby gardening center for tips on the items most suitable in your locale.
Once you have selected an appropriate location and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant. Plant each seed approximately 1 inch deep into moistened soil and cover lightly with additional dirt or mulch.
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering; too much water can cause root rot in this type of corn plant. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or earworms; these can be treated using natural methods such as insecticidal soap sprays if needed.
Caring for glass gem corn throughout its growth cycle is essential for producing healthy ears of corn come harvest time.
Fertilize every few weeks using a balanced fertilizer blend specifically designed for vegetables like corn; follow package instructions carefully when applying fertilizers near edible crops.
Make sure to keep weeds away from young plants by either hand weeding around them or laying down mulch overtop their roots, as this helps prevent competition between plants while providing extra moisture retention benefits too.
Finally, check regularly on developing ears of corn; when they reach maturity (usually after 8-10 weeks), they are ready to harvest.
With the right location, soil preparation and care, planting glass gem corn can be a rewarding experience for any gardener.
Now let’s look at harvesting and drying this colorful variety of corn to enjoy it for years to come.
Harvesting and Drying Glass Gem Corn
Harvesting and Drying Glass Gem Corn is an important step in preserving the beauty of this unique variety of corn. When to harvest glass gem corn depends on the desired maturity of the ears.
Generally, it takes about 80-90 days from planting for the ears to reach full maturity. To determine if they are ready, inspect each ear closely and look for kernels that have reached their full size and color.
Once all or most of the kernels have reached their peak, it’s time to harvest.
When harvesting glass gem corn, be sure to wear gloves as some varieties may contain sharp spikes at the end of each cob. Carefully remove each ear from its stalk by twisting them off with your hands or cutting them with a knife if necessary.
After harvesting, spread out your ears on a flat surface in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight so that they can air dry completely before storing them away for later use.
How to properly dry glass gem corn is essential for preserving its vibrant colors and flavor profile over time. The best way to do this is by hanging up individual cobs in bunches using string or twine until they are completely dried out (about two weeks).
Alternatively, you can also lay out single cobs on newspaper indoors until fully dried – just make sure there’s plenty of airflow around them while drying so moisture doesn’t build up inside any one area which could cause mold growth over time.
Storing dried glass gem corn safely will ensure that it retains its beautiful hues and flavors when used later in recipes or decorations down the road.
For long-term storage, store individual cobs inside airtight containers such as mason jars filled with silica gel packets which absorb excess moisture during storage periods; this helps keep your stored gems fresh longer.
Additionally, consider wrapping each cob individually in wax paper before placing into containers; this will help prevent any oils from transferring between different colored varieties during storage thus keeping their distinct shades intact over time.
Harvesting and drying glass gem corn is an important step in preserving the unique colors of this variety, so be sure to follow these steps carefully.
Now that you know how to harvest and dry your ears of corn, let’s explore some delicious recipes for cooking with glass gem corn.
Cooking with Glass Gem Corn
Cooking with Glass Gem Corn is a unique and exciting way to add some color and flavor to your meals. This variety of corn is distinguished by its vibrant, kaleidoscopic hue that makes it a standout amongst other corns.
Glass Gem Corn has a tantalizing taste, with an unexpected sweetness and nutty undertone that makes it the perfect addition to any meal.
Recipes Using Fresh or Dried Ears of Glass Gem Corn: There are many delicious recipes you can make using fresh or dried ears of glass gem corn.
For a tasty treat, try prepping the ears of glass gem corn by brushing them with butter before wrapping in foil and baking for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
You can also try making a creamy chowder by sautéing onions, garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes and bacon in olive oil before adding chicken broth and cooked glass gem corn kernels.
Simmer until vegetables are tender then blend until smooth for an easy yet flavorful meal.
Tips for Cooking with Fresh or Dried Ears of Glass Gem Corn: When cooking with fresh ears of glass gem corn it’s important to remove the husks first so they don’t burn during cooking.
If using dried ears be sure to soak them overnight before use as this will help soften the kernels so they cook more evenly.
Additionally when boiling whole cobs be sure not to overcook them as this will cause the kernels to become mushy instead of crisp-tender like desired.
Serving Suggestions for Dishes Made With Glass Gem Corn: Dishes made with glass gem corn look great served alongside grilled meats such as steak or pork chops along with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
An alternate option is to serve it in a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese plus some vinaigrette.
Another idea would be incorporating it into tacos filled with seasoned ground beef or turkey along with lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado salsa, sour cream etc; the possibilities are endless.
FAQs in Relation to Glass Gem Corn
Is glass gem corn good eating?
No, glass gem corn is not good for eating. It is an ornamental variety of maize that has been bred to produce colorful and translucent kernels. While the kernels are visually appealing, they lack the necessary starch content to make them edible.
Additionally, glass gem corn may contain toxins which can be harmful if ingested. Therefore it is best to admire this type of corn from a distance rather than consuming it as food.
What does glass gem corn taste like?
Glass gem corn is a type of flint corn, which has a sweet and nutty flavor. It’s crunchy texture makes it great for snacking or adding to salads and other dishes. Kernels of this type of corn display a spectrum of hues, from vibrant reds to blues and purples.
Its vivid hues, from bright blues to intense purples, lend an eye-catching allure to any outdoor plot or dining area.
Glass gem corn can be cooked like popcorn or ground into flour for baking delicious treats. Its delightful taste is certain to delight all kinds of eaters.
How rare is glass gem corn?
Glass gem corn is a rare variety of heirloom popcorn that was developed by Native Americans in the late 1800s. Generations have preserved this heirloom popcorn, and it is now gaining more appreciation among gardeners and plant lovers.
This type of popcorn is distinctive for its kernels that come in an array of vivid shades, such as blue, purple and red. Glass gem corn is considered very rare as there are only a few small farms in the United States that grow this type of popcorn.
Additionally, due to its rarity, glass gem corn can be difficult to find at local stores or online retailers.
Does glass gem corn taste like corn?
No, glass gem corn does not taste like regular corn. It is an ornamental variety of maize that has been bred for its colorful appearance rather than its flavor. The kernels are too small and hard to be eaten as a snack or used in cooking, so it is mainly grown for decorative purposes.
However, the plant itself can be enjoyed visually and even used in crafts such as jewelry making.
What is the purpose of glass gem corn?
Glass gem corn is a type of ornamental corn that produces colorful, translucent kernels. It was developed by Native American farmers in the 1800s and has become popular for its unique appearance and vibrant colors.
The purpose of glass gem corn is to add beauty and color to gardens, flower beds, or other outdoor spaces. Its kernels can be used as decorations on wreaths or centerpieces, while its stalks can be dried and used in floral arrangements.
Glass gem corn also provides an interesting conversation piece when planted among traditional varieties of sweetcorn or popcorn.
Is glass gem corn genetically modified?
No, glass gem corn is not genetically modified. It is a variety of flint corn that has been selectively bred over time to produce kernels with beautiful and unique colors.
Hundreds of years ago, indigenous peoples developed this flint corn variety through traditional breeding techniques that did not involve genetic engineering or alteration.
The kernels are all natural and contain no artificial ingredients or modifications.
Conclusion
This vivid variety of corn can be employed both as a decorative plant or to liven up meals. Growing Glass Gem Corn is easy with the right soil and sunlight conditions, and harvesting and drying are simple processes that will yield delicious results when cooked.
Whether you’re looking for something to add color to your garden or wanting to try out a new recipe in the kitchen, glass gem corn is definitely worth trying.