Horticulture and Home Pest News, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the author of the article must be given credit if this article is republished. Links to this article are strongly encouraged. This article must have the author’s permission before being used in any other way. This article was originally published on . Depending on when it is accessed, the information contained therein might not be the most up-to-date and accurate.
The moisture content of popcorn determines its popping quality. The ideal moisture content of popcorn is 13 to 14. 5 percent.
Popcorn should be left on the stalk until fully mature. When the husks are brown and the kernels are tough and shiny, the ears are ready for harvest. After harvest, take off the husks, put the ears in a mesh bag, and hang the popcorn for a few weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. Take out an ear of popcorn after it has been dried for two to three weeks. Shell a portion of the ear and pop the kernels. The popped corn will be small, uneven, and “chewy” if the kernels contain too much moisture. ” Allow the popcorn to dry for another week. Then shell and test pop a few additional kernels. Shell the remaining popcorn once the kernels have popped successfully. Pouring the kernels outdoors from one container to another and letting the wind blow away the chaff will do the trick. After cleaning the popcorn, keep the kernels in airtight containers. Category:
Add one tablespoon of water per quart, seal the container, and shake vigorously twice daily for a few days if your popcorn is too dry. Repeat the treatment if a test popping reveals that the corn is still too dry.
There are many types of popcorn available for home gardens, some of which have interesting kernel colors like red and dark blue in addition to the more popular white and yellow. The length of the ear can vary from 2 to 3 inches for “Strawberry” popcorn to 7 inches. 5 inches for ‘Robust 128-YH’ hybrid popcorn. Many garden centers sell popcorn seed, or you can order it online from businesses like Park Seed, Burpee Seed, Stokes Seed, or Harris Seed.
Rub one ear against the other to get the kernels out once you’re satisfied that the ears are healed. Fill quart glass jars with the kernels until they are three-quarters full, then tightly cap the jars. If there is space, keep the jars in the refrigerator or another location with low temperatures to preserve the popping quality.
For three to four years, properly cured and stored popcorn should maintain its popping quality and flavor. After that, the taste may become slightly rancid or stale, and the popping quality may diminish.
Wet corn has small, tough kernels that pop slowly and loudly, are “chewy,” and has a jagged appearance. Additionally, the popper will emit a lot of steam. Allow your popcorn to cure for a few more weeks and then test it again if it’s still too wet.
How to Grow Sweet Corn – Harvest Time
When the corn kernels have just fully developed, it is at its best. The best time to pick the ears is right before you eat them. Harvest the ears in the morning when they are at their sweetest if you need to store them. Do not shuck the ears, until ready to cook.
Try grilling corn on those sweltering summer days when it’s too hot to boil water inside. Simply place the ears, husk and all, in a bucket of water and let them soak for a few hours. Then, cook it on your grill, turning regularly. Corn on the Cob, Grilled When it’s done, take off the husk, eat, and enjoy!
You can either remove dried kernels from the cob for storage or keep them on the cob. Rub the two dried ears together to free them from the cob.
Put the kernels in a jar, zip-top bag, or other airtight container made of plastic. Store on the shelf, or in the refrigerator.
May we suggest:
Growing Sweet Corn – more information from Garden Hobbies. Subscribe To Our Newsletter