Sweet corn - pressing block 10x10 cm

Corn (Zea mays) is a grain that belongs to the grasses

Corn is native to Central America where the crop was bred by the natives into larger, more nutritious cobs. Columbus, who discovered America in 1492, brought the corn plant to Spain where the crop immediately thrived. Sweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata) is a variety of corn grown primarily for fresh consumption.

CULTIVATION TIPS:
Sweet corn can be planted outside starting in May at a minimum temperature of 10°c.

-A humus-rich, moist and loose soil is ideal. Mulching is recommended.
-Sunny location required.
-Planting distance: 15 x 15 cm -
Sprinkle the
place where the corn will be planted with lime in the autumn.
-In dry periods, watering is necessary for a quality corn.
-Plant short rows next to each other (instead of one long row) to ensure better fertilization and fruiting.
-Maize has a superficial root system, so pay attention when hoeing.
-Maize causes few soil problems, so crop rotation is not really necessary.
-Corn can be planted well with an eye to protecting neighboring crops from wind.

CULINARY:
In Belgium and the Netherlands, sweet corn is grown mainly for fresh consumption.

Fresh sweet corn is juicy and tender, making it the most delicious.

Remove most of the bracts, do this shortly before cooking as the leaves still offer protection. With a few bracts still attached, the grains remain tastier during cooking and the cobs stay hot longer. Cut off the hard stalk until close to the cob. Cook the whole cob in boiling water for 8 to 15 minutes. This can be served immediately or spread the cob with butter or oil (salted or not) and let it color on the BBQ or in the oven.

The loose-cut corn kernels can be used in various wok dishes or salads. Cut the kernels loose from the cob after cooking. Young freshly picked corn can be eaten raw. Derivatives include: corn starch, corn oil, popcorn, corn beer,... Corn cobs for livestock farmers, on the other hand, are shredded for animal feed.

HARVEST AND STORAGE:
The grains are harvested at the so-called milk-ripe stage. The optimal harvest stage is reached when the cob is discolored dark brown, the kernels are warm yellow in color to almost the top of the cob and not yet dented.

Poorly shaped cobs indicate clumped pollen formed by harsh weather conditions.
White grains indicate too early picking and hard grains indicate too late picking.

Corn wrapped in foil will keep for days in the refrigerator. Sweet corn can also be frozen, just use the loose grains.