How to understand that corn is ripe: we harvest on time, depending on its further use

Corn was first domesticated by the ancestors of modern Mexicans many thousands of years ago. In Europe, the seeds of this culture began to be grown in the 16th century, in Russia - only in the 18th century. The absolute leaders in corn consumption are Mexicans. Every adult in Mexico eats almost 100 kg of corn a year, while Russians eat less than 1 kg.

The vitamin and mineral composition of corn is diverse. The vegetable contains B vitamins, vitamins C, E, PP, K, trace elements - calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, iodine. The maximum amount of nutrients is found in ripe corn grains. Therefore, it is important to know when to start harvesting. In this article, we will tell you how to understand that the corn is ripe, and how to determine the ripeness of the cobs.

Timing of harvesting corn

To decide when to start picking sweet cobs, be guided by such factors: ripening time of a particular variety, climate features of the region and weather conditions, timing of sowing seeds.

Ripening rate depending on the species

How long does corn ripen? Depending on the duration of the vegetative period, hybrids and varieties of corn are divided into early, mid and late maturing:

1. Early maturing varieties. Early maturity maize is harvested 75-80 days after germination. This group includes the variety Lakomka, hybrids Dobrynya and Rannyaya Zolotaya.
2. Mid-season varieties. Mid-season varieties ripen in 90-100 days from the moment the shoots appear. This group is represented by hybrids Pioneer, Ice Nectar, Spirit.
3. Late-ripening varieties. This corn is harvested 110-140 days after germination. Late varieties are represented by hybrids Polaris, Bashkirovets, Rossiyskaya Lopayaschaya.

Ripening terms in fields and gardens

In what month does the "queen of the fields" ripen? The ripening time of a crop varies not only depending on the variety and the region of cultivation, but also on the purpose of the vegetable. In gardens and private plots, predominantly early-maturing varieties are cultivated for consumption - the harvest is harvested from the end of July.

On large farms the beginning of the harvesting campaign depends on the purpose of the harvested crop... The culture is harvested for silage when the stage of milky-wax ripeness comes to an end. At this time, the grains contain the maximum concentration of sugars. On average, harvesting of ripe ears begins in mid-August and continues until October.

How to tell if the corn is ripe

In addition to the ripening times indicated by the manufacturer on the seed packaging, when determining the degree of ripeness, they are guided by the appearance of the ears... First of all, the upper ears on the stem are checked: they ripen earlier than the rest.

Signs of ripeness

How to determine the ripeness of sweet fruits? Unscrew the edge of the corncob and inspect it carefully. These signs will help you learn about the readiness of corn for harvest.:

• by the end of the ripening period, corn kernels are poured and, under their own weight, deviate to the side until they fall perpendicular to the stem;
• ripe fruits are distinguished by a round shape, the ears are completely filled with grains;
• the grains inside the cob are even and smooth, without wrinkles and dents;
• male flowers on the tops of the stems wither and crumble;
• ripe corn is separated from the stalk by hand without using a knife or scissors.

Harvesting time depending on the purpose of growing

When determining the timing of cleaning further use of the fruit plays an important role.

If the cobs are intended for making popcorn or harvesting seed, then the collection is carried out during the period of biological maturity.

If corn is intended to be eaten raw, boiled or canned, then the cobs are removed at the stage of milk ripeness.

For fresh consumption

Young corn cobs are chosen for fresh consumption., filmed at the stage of milk ripeness. These grains are distinguished by a delicate sweet taste. The cobs closer to the top of the plant are harvested first. They ripen faster than others.

Determine that the corn has reached the milky stage, it is possible on such grounds:

• the ears deviated from the stem;
• the panicle at the end of the ears has dried up (a panicle that is wet to the touch with a reddish tint indicates that the fruits are not yet ripe);
• the ears are completely filled with grains (the tip of a ripe ear is dull and round);
• the grains have acquired a pale yellow color and, when pressed, release a white liquid (if the grains are white and the juice is transparent, then the fruits have not yet ripened);
• to separate the cob from the stalk, it is enough to squeeze it with your hand and turn it around its axis.

Sugars are quickly converted to starch after the cobs are removed from the stalks... Therefore, they are eaten on the first day after harvest, while they retain their excellent taste.

Attention! It is not advisable to skip harvesting time or pick the cobs too early. Overripe fruits lose their juiciness and sweetness, the grains become tough.

Lower temperature slows down the conversion process sugars into starch. That is why it is better to pick corn in the cool morning hours, and store it in the refrigerator, covered with a damp cloth. This will keep it sweet for a whole week.

For drying grains

If you plan to use corn for drying grainsthen the cobs are harvested after the stems and leaves are completely dry. At this time, they easily break off the stem. After harvesting, the leaves are removed from the cobs and placed in a cool place for one month to fully ripen.

After the grains have dried, they are separated and placed in an airtight container. Store them in a cool dark place.

Landing

For procurement of planting material corn kernels are harvested at the stage of biological ripeness. This phase occurs when the stems and leaves are completely dry and the ears break off easily from the stem.

Harvested corn is freed from outer leaves and transferred to a cool dry place for 1-2 months to dry. Completely dried grains are separated from the cob and stored in a cool place away from sunlight.

Important! Correctly dried grains are suitable for planting for 5-10 years, but only under the storage conditions.

For silage

Silage with the most valuable nutritional qualities obtained when harvesting a crop at the stage of wax ripeness, or at the end of the milky-wax stage. The moisture content of the corn grain at this moment is about 65-70%. The sugar content of the grains is still high. The acidity of such silage is moderate.

If the crop is harvested earlier, the nutritional value of the silage will be significantly reduced. At the beginning of the milky-wax stage, due to the high moisture content of the grains and a noticeable loss of dry mass, it is more oxidized.

The harvested raw materials are poured into a pit and tamped tightly... In large farms, this is done with tractors. When the pit is full, it is covered with earth so that there is no air access. In such conditions, the green mass melts and turns into silage.

For making popcorn

When is corn ripe for making your favorite treat? Fruit intended for making popcorn, removed from the beds lastwhen the grains are at their peak. During this period, the stem, the ear itself and the leaves acquire a brown color.

The kernels on the cob must also be dry. (with a moisture content of only 15-20%). Weather permitting, the ears are dried directly on the stalks. The dried fruits are placed for a month in a cool, dark place (in the attic or in the closet) and then folded in linen or paper bags. Store this corn on the cob.

Ripeness of corn

The most delicious corn is the one that was removed from the garden in time... Therefore, it is important to know when the cobs are ready for harvest. There are 3 degrees of ripeness of corn cobs.

Milk ripeness

At this stage, the leaves surrounding the ear are still green and are difficult to separate from it.... When pressing on the grain, a white liquid (milky juice) is released, the threadlike columns have not yet dried. The corn kernels are pale yellow in color and taste soft and juicy.

Wax ripeness

In this phase, the grains acquire a characteristic bright yellow color. and a waxy consistency. Milky sap is not released when pressed. The cob leaves begin to turn yellow and dry out.

Biological (full) ripeness

At such maturity, the leaves on the cobs dry out completely.... Outwardly, they resemble parchment paper. The brush at the end of the fruit darkens and becomes brown in color. The grains become hard and dense to the touch. The milky juice inside the grains turns into starch.

Time for preparing

For cooking, choose corn cobs with grains of milky white or light yellow color.

You should know. The richer the grain, the older and tougher the corn.

The kernels inside the ear should fit snugly in their places and be the same size. The correct ear is soft and firm to the touch. Young milk corn, when pressed against the grains, releases a white viscous liquid. If the grains are on the cob with dimples, then such a vegetable will not work for cooking.

Council. Soak the corn for one hour in cool water before cooking to make the corn softer.

Young ears are boiled for 20-30 minutes... Cooking time for more mature, hardened fruits is up to 40 minutes. They are eaten hot, immediately after the end of cooking. When cooled, they quickly lose their softness and juiciness.

The nuances of the maturation of corn in different regions

The ripening time of corn differs depending on the region cultivation. The first corn ripens in the southern regions of the country. Here, ripe cobs are picked for food at the end of July.

In outskirts of Moscow this period falls on the end of August and lasts until the end of September.

In the Black Earth early crop varieties are ready for harvest in early August. Mid-season varieties are removed at the end of August. Late ripening - in September.

In the Northwest of Russia the first crop of corn is harvested in the 20th of August. In the northern regions of the country, corn cobs ripen only at the beginning of September.

Conclusion

The timing of the harvest of the "queen of the fields" is determined based on the further use of the ears. Corn intended for human consumption is harvested at the stage of milk ripeness, for harvesting seeds or making popcorn - at the stage of biological ripeness.

The timing indicated by the seed manufacturer and external signs will help to understand the degree of maturity.