Homegrown Boiled Corn

Corn (lat. Zea) belongs to the grass family (lat. Poaceae) of plants. Sweet corn is the most suitable variety for consumption (lat. Zea mays), which is one of the forms of cultivated corn. Corn has been known for over 2500 years. It arrived in Europe at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries from its homeland, America. Sweet corn was bred later and has been known since the 18th century. Sweet corn is grown for its kernels, which are harvested at the so-called milk stage (before full maturity). Ornamental varieties have also been bred, such as strawberry corn and popcorn varieties suitable for making popcorn.

Cultivated Sweet Corn Varieties

• Golden Bantam is a late to semi-late variety of sweet corn with medium growth. It thrives best in deep loamy-sandy soils that can provide the plant with sufficient moisture. The ears are suitable for direct consumption. They are harvested at the milk stage, when the kernel is soft and sweet. As it matures, the sucrose content decreases and the ears are no longer as tasty.

• Andrea F1 is a medium-late hybrid of sweet corn suitable for direct consumption, freezing and canning. The plant is medium-tall, the ear is cylindrical and well-enclosed by husk leaves. The kernels are of very high quality and light yellow in colour.

• Tauris F1 is a very early hybrid variety of sweet corn suitable for direct consumption, freezing and canning. The ears are cone-shaped, the kernels are of high quality and yellow in colour. The yield of this variety is high. The plant grows to a height of approximately 145 cm.

• Pickling sweet corn is a variety of sweet corn intended for harvesting immature ears at the waxy milk stage. The ears are pickled whole, similar to cucumbers.

• Ramondia F1 is a variety suitable for direct consumption, freezing and canning. The ears are harvested at the waxy milk stage. In cooler regions, it is advisable to pre-cultivate young plants.

• Popcorn - Jantár is a very productive late hybrid of popcorn. It thrives better in warm regions. The plant has a taller growth with one to two side shoots. The kernels are round, medium-sized and orange in colour. Suitable for popcorn.

• "Strawberry" corn is an ornamental variety suitable especially for drying. The ears are smaller, oval and have an unusual deep red ear colour. In shape and colour, they resemble strawberries. Strawberry corn is grown in the same way as common types of corn, except that sowing is done later.

Growing Corn

Growing corn is not difficult. Sow seeds in April directly into a prepared bed. Since corn plants are robust, you need to maintain a planting spacing of at least 40 x 40 cm. You can also sow in rows about 50 cm apart, with seeds at least 25 cm apart within the row. You can sow seeds in pairs and thin them out after germination. The most suitable location for corn is a site with plenty of sunlight. Corn has no special soil requirements. Generous watering during the growing season will support the development of large ears and juicy kernels. Most sweet corn varieties are harvested at the so-called milk stage, when the kernels are still soft. The flavor qualities of the kernels are best at this time.

Uses of Corn and Its Health Benefits

Corn kernels contain large amounts of B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), B3 (biotin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B9 (folic acid). Among minerals, corn contains iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and manganese. Corn kernels are a rich source of fiber, protein, and unsaturated fatty acids. Corn can serve as an energy source for the entire body, as the kernels consist largely of glucose. Corn is therefore suitable for consumption during stress and in situations when we need to quickly supply energy to the brain. Corn kernels are very filling and their beneficial effects appear very quickly. In addition to positive effects on the nervous system and vitality, corn helps strengthen the heart, supports blood formation, maintains hormonal balance, has a positive effect on fertility, increases sexual performance, and supports metabolism. Since ancient times, people have also believed in the rejuvenating effects of corn ears.

The uses of corn are very wide-ranging and always depend on the specific type of corn. Sweet corn is used for direct consumption as well as for freezing and canning; from mature kernels, cornmeal, corn starch, or corn oil is produced. Field corn is grown as livestock feed. Popcorn corn is used to make popcorn. Ornamental corn varieties are used for decorative purposes, as are corn husks, from which skilled hands can create beautiful figurines.

Cook Corn from Your Own Garden

For 4 servings, prepare:

• 4 husked ears of sweet corn (preferably at milk stage)
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 3 - 4 liters of water
• a piece of butter for brushing the corn

How to proceed???

Place the peeled corn cobs in a suitable pot and cover them with water so they are completely submerged. Salt the water and bring to a boil. During cooking, check from time to time whether the corn is still completely covered with water, adding hot water to the pot if necessary. Cook the cobs until tender for approximately 20 minutes. Cooking time depends on the specific variety of corn and stage of ripeness. Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the water and brush with butter. Lightly salt on all sides before eating. Boiled corn tastes best immediately after cooking. For easier handling, you can pierce the cobs with thick skewers.

Gourmet Tip

Corn also tastes excellent grilled - simply brush with oil mixed with grilling seasoning and grill until done.