Corn

BECAUSE CORN IS A MEMBER OF THE GRASS FAMILY, it is a grain, not really a vegetable.  It is a moderately good source of fiber (2 grams per half-cup), Vitamin C,  folate, phosphorus and manganese.  The more yellow the variety of corn, the more healthy carotenoids present.

Something to keep in mind:  Corn is one of the foods most commonly associated with allergic reactions.

WE’VE MADE OUR CORN SELECTION FOR 2009. We can almost already taste the sugary goodness of our sweet corn already. Those poor non-gardeners have no idea what true corn should taste like. Even when purchased in a Farmers Market, it’s never at its peak. Sweetcorn begins converting its sugars to starch from the moment it’s picked.  Some estimate that 80% of its sugar is converted within the first four hours. So only we gardeners can truly sing the praises of our ears.

Here are the varieties that we’ve chosen to grow in the BEEKMAN 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Garden. What kinds are you planting this year? Tell us below in the comment section.

STOWELL’S EVERGREEN WHITE CORN – 8 in. ears. One of the oldest named varieties of sweet corn in existence. It was developed by Nathan Stowell of Burlington, New Jersey in 1848. U. P. Hedrick said it was probably the most widely known and appreciated variety of corn ever to be introduced. Evergreen refers to its ability to hold its fresh quality for a long time in the field, allowing a long harvest period. Requires a long growing season.

COUNTRY GENTLEMAN CORN –  7 in. white ears. Introduced in 1890 and known as a ’shoepeg’ corn because the kernels grow randomly all over the ear as if they were ’shoepegged’ onto the ear and not in uniform rows. Excellent flavor, but not very drought resistant.

SILVER QUEEN CORN – One of the sweetest white corns, must be eaten within minutes of picking for optimum sweetness.

GOLDEN BANTAM CORN – 7 in. ears, two per stalk. Early main crop for the home garden. This has been the standard yellow sweet corn for American home gardens for more than 100 years. Excellent, sweet flavor.

TRUCKER’S FAVORITE WHITE CORN –  8 12 in. ears. For early quick crop or late planting.

Saturday, January 17, 2009