The most complex aspect of corn harvesting is timing. If you pick it up too late, it will lose in sweetness. Otherwise, it's a pretty straightforward process. You can harvest corn to make popcorn or to use the kernels for future planting.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Harvest Corn for Normal Consumption
Step 1. Check the upper cobs
They usually ripen faster than those at the bottom. Instead of collecting them all at once, you should first grab the top ones.
The uppermost cob should be visibly more abundant than the others. In reality it will become so swollen that it will come to be perpendicular to the stem, because it will sag
Step 2. Test the corn without disturbing it
Feel it to determine consistency through the cob and check the beards to make sure they are dry.
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The silk strands should be dark and rather dry. If you try to touch them they should come off without too much effort.
Harvest Corn Step 2Bullet1 - Note that the beards will have a red tinge and a soft, moist texture if the corn is not ripe yet.
- Touch the tip of the cob to determine if it is full or not. A ripe corn on the cob will have a rounded or blunt tip, while one that is not yet ready will have a more pointed shape.
- Best to harvest freshly ripened corn on the stalk. The cobs contain most of the sugar at the peak of ripeness so they will be sweeter. I gradually lose it by sticking to it because the corn will start converting sugars into starches.
Step 3. Peel the cob if necessary
If you are not sure of its ripeness, you can peel a part of the foil and check the beans. The ends should be full and the kernels creamy yellow or white.
- Test further by carving a grain with your thumbnail. The internal liquid should be white or milky. If it looks watery or transparent, the corn is still behind. If it feels too thick, it may be overly ripe.
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You should avoid opening the cob unless you are able to control maturity in another way. An open cob is vulnerable and exposed to attack by birds and insects.
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Step 4. Rotate the cob to remove it from the stem
Harvesting is easy. You should be able to grab the corn on the cob and pull it down, then twist it with your hand.
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If possible, harvest corn in the morning. The cobs are still quite fresh and the conversion of sugars slows down at low temperatures.
Harvest Corn Step 4Bullet1 - Secure the stem with one hand and use the other to rotate the cob. It should stop. You shouldn't use shears to separate the two parts.
Step 5. Use or store immediately
The conversion of sugar to starch accelerates after the corn harvest, so to keep the sweetness and flavor at their peak, try to eat it within 24 hours of harvesting.
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Note that extra sweet varieties can stay sweet for longer periods, but traditional ones will lose half of their sweetness in the first 24 hours.
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You can slow down the sugar conversion process by keeping corn cool. Place each cob in the refrigerator and then cover them with a damp cloth to keep them as cold as possible.
Harvest Corn Step 5Bullet2 - In the refrigerator, the corn should hold its sweetness for about a week.
Step 6. Save the corn for later
Once the main cob is mature enough, those remaining on the stem should take about 10 days.
Most corn plants will have at least two cobs per stem if not more. Hybrids tend to produce more
Method 2 of 3: Collect the Beans to Make Popcorn
Step 1. Wait for the foil and stem to brown completely
Unlike sweet corn that is planted to be eaten, popcorn is harvested once the ripening stage is over. For this purpose, in fact, the collection is simpler.
- Leave the cobs on the stems until both the coils and stems are completely browned and begin to dry out.
- Make sure you collect the popcorn before a freeze arrives.
Step 2. Remove each corncob
Since the stems and cones will be fragile at this point, removing the cobs will be easy. You can do it by hand and without the use of tools.
Grab the stalk with one hand and simply twist the cob with the other
Step 3. Dry the corn on the cob
Corn should be dried for 4-6 hours once harvested if you want to use it for popcorn. The beans will be partially dried leaving them only a little moisture.
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Prepare the corn by removing the dry bags from each cob. The beans should already be partially dry.
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Arrange the cobs in nets or spread them in a single row. Put them in an area with hot air or hang them in the garage.
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The ideal humidity for popcorn is between 13 and 14%.
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Step 4. Remove the beans
When they are done drying, remove the kernels by taking the cob with both hands and twisting it back and forth. The kernels should fall out.
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Note that the kernels should loosen and fall off with little pressure.
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Be careful when removing the kernels as some sharp parts may scratch you. If necessary, wear gloves to protect your hands.
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If you are not sure if the beans are ready to be shelled, test them after a few weeks. Only shell a few grains and try to make them pop. When the corn bursts well and tastes good, it is ready to be shelled. If the popcorn is chewy, it is still too wet and needs to be dried for longer. Keep trying the beans this way once or twice a week.
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Step 5. Store and use as you wish
If you have dried the cobs properly, the remaining moisture inside will turn into steam when the cobs are heated. The steam will then burst the beans, opening them.
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Once you've dried the corn, you can hang nets full of cobs in a cellar or other cool, dark, dry place. Stored this way the popcorn can be used for years.
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Store the beans in airtight jars and keep them in a dark, cool and dry place.
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Method 3 of 3: Collect Corn to Sow it
Step 1. Harvest one month after the food period
When harvesting for planting, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the corn to be ready.
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The pouches should be brown, dry, and paper-like before harvesting. The stem doesn't have to be completely brown though.
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Note that corn harvested for future planting must first be pollinated.
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Step 2. Twist or detach the cob from the stem
Like corn harvested for food or popcorn, the harvesting process is pretty straightforward. Hold the stem with one hand and rotate the cob with the other until it stays in your hand. Folding it down and turning it to the side shouldn't have any problems.
Shears and other garden tools shouldn't be needed
Step 3. Dry if necessary
Peel the corn on the cob to expose the kernels. Put it in a cool, dry place until the beans are well dried.
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Place the corn in nets and hang them in a cool, dry place for a month or two. Check periodically after the third week. Once the first check is done, do the others once or twice a week until it's ready.
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You can control the corn by removing a couple of kernels. Place them in a small plastic container or bag and close it. Put it in the refrigerator and wait a couple of days, watching for condensation. In this case the corn is not yet dry enough. If there is no condensation, the beans are ready.
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Step 4. Rotate the cobs
When they are dry enough, take the corn on the cob with both hands and rotate it firmly but carefully. The beans should come off effortlessly.
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Remaining beards and filaments should be removed before they fall into the container.
Harvest Corn Step 15Bullet1 - Clean the beans by rinsing them. Put them on a frame with 1.25 cm holes, placed on a second frame with 0.625 cm holes. Dry completely after cleaning the corn.
Step 5. Store the beans in dry containers
Place the dried beans in an airtight container. Place it in a dry, dark and cool place until you plant them.
