Table of Contents
For those that have asked about its edibility, Glass Gem is a flint corn used for making flour or as a popping corn. Unlike sweet corn, it is not typically eaten right off the cob. However, it was likely bred as an ornamental variety—for obvious reasons. Many of these exquisite ears are simply too beautiful to eat.
Can you eat glass gem corn?
These amazingly gorgeous ears are simply too beautiful to eat. Grind them up into cornmeal or use them as tortillas. They can also be ground into cornmeal and popped into popcorn.
Is Glass Gem Corn natural?
Yes, it’s real, and, as an heirloom, its seeds will grow true. Glass gem corn was born in Oklahoma, bred by a part-Cherokee farmer named Carl Barnes who had a knack for tinkering with corn. Naturally, the seed lover selected several of the curiously-named “glass gems” to plant in his garden.
Does glass gem corn taste different?
Glass Gem corn has an opalescent quality with high starch content. The kernels are not commonly consumed fresh and are primarily dried. When processed, they contain a neutral, unsweetened, starchy taste. Appetizer Healthy Nibbles and Bits Vegetable & Cornmeal Fritters Main Dish The Recipe Critic Hominy Casserole Soup.
Is glass gem corn rare?
Extremely rare, this unique strain of flint corn was developed by Cherokee Carl Barnes, then almost disappeared until a curious farmer came across a jar marked “Glass Gem” and planted a few in his garden. They are sold in lots of 25 because corn must be planted in clusters (not rows).
How does glass gem corn work?
Glass gem corn is an amazingly vibrant strain of rainbow coloured corn. It is a type of ‘flint corn’ which is grown not for eating off the cob, but for making popcorn, or grinding into cornflour. With ‘flint corn’, the corn is left on the plants to dry.
Does glass gem corn taste like corn?
Glass Gem is predominantly a popcorn (a subcategory of flint corn) and can be ground into cornmeal for use in dishes such as polenta or grits, or popped. This variety was selected for its majestic beauty and colors. However, it does have good corn flavor.
Is Rainbow sweetcorn real?
Glass Gem corn, a unique variety of rainbow-coloured corn, became an Internet sensation in 2012 when a photo of the sparkling cob was posted to Facebook. Shortly after, the company that sells the rare seeds, Native Seeds/SEARCH, began ramping up production to meet the high demand.
Who made glass gem corn?
“Glass Gem” has its own Facebook page with more than 19,000 followers, but its journey from an Oklahoma cornfield to Internet fame started with a man named Carl Barnes. Barnes wanted to explore his Cherokee roots, so he began collecting and planting ancient varieties of corn.
Where does glass gem corn grow best?
Ideally, corn loves sunny and wind-protected space. If you’re fond of planting corn in rows, with glass gem corn, it’s actually better to plant it in blocks, 3 deep by 3 wide. The extra space will give your corn an easier time pollinating.
How does glass gem corn grow?
Glass Gem corn is a warm season annual in the grass family. They’re pollinated by wind and gravity when the pollen grains (produced by tassels on top of the stalk) fall onto the corn silk (which grows from the tips of the ears). The stalks grow 6 to 10 feet tall, and produce between 2 and 5 ears per stalk.
What is Rainbow corn?
Unlike sweet corn, rainbow corn isn’t one to eat straight off the cob. It’s a type of flint corn that has a hard outer layer, which is great to grind down into cornmeal for dishes like grits and polenta. Glass Gem corn can also be used to make popcorn, but sadly, it doesn’t come out rainbow colored.
Can I eat rainbow corn?
If we told you it was a beautiful piece of corn rainbow jewelry, you’d probably believe it. In fact, it’s a completely edible ear of corn originating from some special seeds you’ll soon be able to order and plant yourself. In fact, the corn is completely edible.
What is Rainbow corn used for?
The rainbow corn looks gorgeous, but don’t expect to use it like regular sweet corn. This type of corn has a hard outer shell, so you won’t be able to bite into it easily. However, rainbow corn is perfect for making homemade popcorn or drying and using as fall decor.
When was glass gem corn created?
Glass Gem corn, a unique variety of rainbow-colored corn, became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photo of the sparkling cob was posted to Facebook. Shortly after, the company that sells the rare seeds, Native Seeds/SEARCH, began ramping up production to meet the high demand.
Is Glass Gem Corn GMO?
Yes, Glass Gem Corn Is Edible Glass gem is non-GMO heirloom rainbow corn variety that actually comes in many colors. It is best used for cornmeal, as opposed to slathering with butter at the dinner table. It is also a marginally decent popping corn. It is a long season variety, requiring 110 days to reach maturity.
Is glass gem corn hybrid?
That’s because Glass Gem corn has become a hit. This hybrid corn features multicolored kernels that look more like pieces of jewelry than actual corn. In shades of pink, purple, yellow, and even green and blue, tis is the most stunning corn you’ll ever see!Apr 29, 2016.
