After planting and raising corn in the field, the next step is harvesting. Harvesting corn can be done quickly and easily once the tufts have turned brown and the seeds are ripe. After picking and removing the husks with the proper technique, you can store the corn by freezing, canning, or drying it. Once harvested, corn can be used as a cooking ingredient or decoration.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Harvesting Sweet Corn
Step 1. Harvest sweet corn within 60 to 80 days after planting
Sweet corn will usually ripen within 60 to 80 days. Write on the calendar that you should check for signs of harvest about 60 days after planting.
Corn can be harvested more quickly if it is grown in hot weather, especially when the temperature is over 32 °C
Step 2. Harvest the corn when the tufts turn brown
Corn tassel is a pollen-releasing stalk located at the end of the corn plant. When the corn is ripe, the green tassel will turn brown. Do not harvest corn if it still has the green tassels.
Corn tufts will turn brown approximately 3 weeks after the plants flower
Step 3. Squeeze the corn kernels to check if a milky liquid appears
Open the corn kernels and squeeze the corn kernels using your index and thumb. If the corn kernels release a liquid like milk, it means the plant is ready to be harvested.
If not ripe, corn kernels are hard and do not secrete milky liquid. If this happens, reposition the corn kernels to cover the immature seeds. Corn will continue the ripening process without any problems
Step 4. Twist the corn cobs off the stalks
Hold the stem with your non-dominant hand to keep it from moving. Use your dominant hand to grip the corn, then twist the cob sideways. Pull the corn down firmly, and place the picked corn into the container or stack.
Pulling the corn stalks without twisting them can kill the plant
Step 5. Cook the sweetcorn quickly so the taste doesn't change
Sweet corn will lose its sugar content by as much as 50% if left at room temperature for 24 hours. Store or cook sweetcorn the same day you harvest it for its original flavor.
Unpeeled sweet corn can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days by wrapping it in a dampened paper towel
Step 6. Remove the corn husks and hairs
Pull out the corn husks one at a time until you get a hair-covered ear of corn. Remove the corns individually or scrub them with an old toothbrush to remove them.
- To make peeling easier, heat the corn in the microwave. Microwave on high, then heat unpeeled corn for 2 minutes.
- Place the hair and corn husks in a trash bag or large container for easy cleaning.
Step 7. Store sweetcorn in the freezer for about 6-8 months
Blanch the corn in boiling water, then place the corn in an airtight container before placing it in the freezer. Corn stored in the freezer will stay fresh for 6 to 8 months, regardless of season.
You can also slice the kernels with a knife to separate them from the cobs before you store them in the freezer. This can save space
Step 8. Canned sweetcorn for up to 5 years
If you don't want to cook the corn within 2-4 days of harvesting, blanch the corn and slice off the seeds with a sharp knife. Place the corn kernels in a jar, then put it in a pressure can to seal the jar.
Canned corn can last longer than frozen corn, which is about 3 to 5 years
Step 9. Cook the sweetcorn as a side dish if you want to eat it right away
Sweet corn is a healthy and delicious side dish. You can use fresh corn or corn that has been cured. Corn can be boiled, microwaved, grilled, roasted, or steamed.
If you don't want to store sweet corn, cook it immediately after harvest
Method 2 of 2: Harvesting Pearl Corn or Popcorn
Step 1. Harvest flint corn within 80-100 days after planting
Unlike sweet corn, pearl corn takes between 80 and 100 days to harvest. After planting them for 80 days, check daily to see if the corn is ripe.
Corn can be harvested more quickly if the temperature is above 32 °C. If you live in an area with a warm climate, pearl corn will ripen in about 80 days
Step 2. Check the corn kernels to see if they have turned brown
Corn tufts are pollen-releasing stalks located at the tip of the plant. When the corn is ripe, the green tassels will turn brown. Do not harvest corn if it still has the green tassels.
Corn tassels will usually turn brown in about 3 weeks after flowering
Step 3. Wait for the corn kernels to harden
Pearl corn kernels and popcorn are hard and dry in texture. Squeeze the corn kernels with your index and thumb. If the seeds feel firm, you can pick them, as long as the tassels are brown and they are 80 days old after planting.
If the corn kernels are not ripe, return them and smooth the hair and husks back into place
Step 4. Pull the corn off the stalk
Grasp the stem with your non-dominant hand to keep it from moving. Use your dominant hand to twist the corncob sideways. Pull the corn down and snap it off the stalk. Next, place the plucked corn into a container or pile.
Pulling the corn stalks without twisting them can kill the plant
Step 5. Hang the corn cobs for 2-3 weeks to dry
Find an empty space, such as a storage shed or garage, to dry corn. Tie each corncob with string, then hang it from the ceiling or a room post. Let the corn hang there for 2 to 3 weeks before you transfer it to a dry container, such as a bucket or storage container.
Step 6. Grind pearl corn or use it for animal feed
If you have a high-power corn grinder or blender, you can grind pearl corn to make cornstarch. As an alternative, this corn can be used as cheap animal feed.
- Cornstarch is a healthy and filling ingredient that can be used for cornbread, polenta, corn trays, and other foods.
- Pearl corn can also be used as decoration.
Step 7. Peel the popcorn and save it
Once the popcorn cobs are dry, crush the seeds by hand or slice them with a knife. Store the corn kernels in a dry, airtight container until you are ready to cook them.
Although popcorn is a type of pearl corn, only this type of corn can explode when heated. Don't make popcorn using other varieties
Step 8. Heat the popcorn kernels if you want to cook them
Depending on your preference, you can heat the popcorn in the microwave or on the stove. Cook the corn on a steady heat until the seeds pop lightly.
Step 9. Grind the popcorn to make corn flour
As with other varieties of pearl corn, you can grind popcorn to make flour. If you want to use the flour as a cake ingredient, grind the corn kernels in a high-power blender or corn grinder.
If you wish, you can also use popcorn as animal feed
Tips
- Corn plants may not mature at the same time. Check the plants one by one and harvest the corn when it is ripe.
- If you like the yield, save 10% of the corn kernels for planting next season. Peel the corn kernels from the cob and store them in an airtight bag. Store this bag in a dry, dark place for use in the next growing season.
- Each corn plant can produce 1-2 corn cobs, depending on the variety and size.
