Indian corn is the emblem of the harvest season because the harvest season can’t be imagined without those ears of Indian corns containing multicolored kernels.
During October and November month, the Indian corn is visible everywhere as they are used for adorning home décor and businesses. And since Indian corn is seen from garlands to centerpieces, it might intrigue you to know can you eat Indian corn like sweet corn or not.
So, let us uncover the rationales regarding this topic.
Can You Eat Indian Corn?
Indian corn is indeed edible but bears in mind that Indian corns aren’t naturally sweet like sweet corn. Indian corns got a starchy texture and are eaten as flour, cornmeal, and popcorn. Whole kernels are for making popcorn and corn ears with bigger kernels are used for making flour and cornmeal.
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Indian corns are 100% edible and safe to eat like other varieties of corn even though they are widely known for being used as a decorative item to décor the homes and business places during the harvesting season.
So along with finding Indian corn everywhere from the garlands to centerpieces, Indian corns are found on dinner plates as well. This simply indicates, one can eat Indian corn without facing any problem.
Indian corns are a very popular ingredient for making flour for eating purposes. Except for being consumed as corn, the whole yet pointy kernels of Indian corn are used for making and eating popcorn.
And the Indian corn ears with large-sized kernels are utilized for cornmeal production. Therefore, it makes clear that Indian corns are eaten as both cornmeal, popcorn, and flour.
However, keep one thing in mind that like the sweet corns that are eaten in daily life, Indian corns are not sweet at all, also, Indian corns have a starchy texture.
Is Indian Corn Good To Eat?
Generally speaking, Indian corn definitely is as edible as sweet corn or other varieties but it doesn’t taste so good to eat as sweet corn or other corn varieties. Indian corn doesn’t taste sweet as sweet corn, it rather has a mild starchy texture.
And when you will eat Indian corn, somewhat you will taste a richer and earthier taste which is quite a different taste from other varieties.
So, it’s seen that many people don’t prefer such a starchy texture and earthy flavorful corn, thence, Indian corn is eaten as flour, popcorn, and cornmeal so that the flavor becomes milder.
However, know that the earthy flavors and starchy texture don’t make Indian corns less delicious, they rather get an exotic taste.
And in terms of nutrition, Indian corn is enriched with fiber, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, and low fat and protein. So naturally, it’s healthy food to consume and good to add to a daily diet.
Is Indian Corn Toxic?
Indian corn is absolutely not toxic to eat, it’s rather very safe to consume as food so it has already been considered edible.
The appearance, texture, and taste of Indian corn can many anyone assume these corns as toxic but in reality, Indian corn is as safe to eat as any other variety of corn. You can eat Indian corn any way you want and it’s guaranteed that they will not hamper your health.
Instead, it will be a good source of carbs and low fat and protein, if you are a health-conscious person. Also, you will get beneficial vitamins, minerals as well.
But remember that, Indian corn certainly is safe for human beings but it might not be so suitable for feeding pets, especially keep your dogs away from feeding Indian corns.
Why Is It Called Indian Corn?
As stated by folklore, these colorful corn ears are called Indian corns because they were christened after the indigenous civilization of North America.
And people had been growing these Indian corns ever since Christopher Columbus acquainted them with the Europeans in the 15th century.
But in recent times, there’s another definition regarding why it’s called Indian corn.
People have acknowledged the name Indian corn because each kernel of these Indian corns owns a tough outer layer to safeguard the delicate endosperm which is somewhat as hard as flint, thence, they are named Indian corn.
How To Eat Indian Corn?
Basically, you can eat Indian corn as popcorn, flour, or cornmeal.
First, you can pop out the corn seeds from the cob and then process them to make popcorn out of the corn seeds. Or else, after chucking out the corn seeds out of the cob, you can grind them and make masa.
From the masa, you can prepare a variety of dishes such as grits, masa cakes, polenta, tortillas, tamales, porridges, or anything that you would make using freshly ground Indian masa corn.
And last but not least, you can always choose to eat Indian corn as cornmeal.
How Do You Make Indian Corn?
Step by step guide to making Indian corn has been explained below.
Prepare The Soil:
First, prepare the soil where you will grow Indian corns by roto-tilling or by turning the soil into 6-12 inches deep.
Plant The Seeds:
Now plant the corn seeds in rows or hills. Plant each seed by keeping 4 inches gap in rows and the rows should be 18-24 inches far from one another.
Thin The Seedlings:
When the seedlings will reach 4 inches of height, thin the seedlings of corn to 12 inches distant.
Weed Aggressively:
You just weed aggressively so that corns can get enough nutrients without playing against the weeds.
Fertilize The Corns:
After the first 4 weeks, fertilize the corn seedlings with a 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost. And then, until the corns reach their maturity, fertilize them every 4 weeks.
How Long Does Indian Corn Last?
If your cultivated Indian corn is for ornamental purposes, then the dried corns will last up to 4-6 months upon being kept at room temperature.
But you must make sure that the husks are not green anymore while picking up the corn and the corn ears have been dried for at least a week before you store them.
How Long Does Indian Corn Take To Grow?
Indian corn will take around 3 months or more to grow and gain its full maturity. But meanwhile, you are required to thin the seedlings and main a rich soil by using mulch nearby the plants.
Moreover, sometimes the corn can take much more time than the assumed time to grow to full maturity, in that case, you have to wait until the outer husks of firms have turned brown fully. It means the corns are ripe and have grown up.
What Does Indian Corn Taste Like?
Indian corns have an earthier taste means these corns are quite much richer in taste in comparison to other varieties of corns.
Also, these corns don’t taste sweet like the sweet corns that we consume in our daily life. And along with a no sweet earthy tasty, Indian firms have a starchy texture and they also do taste mild starchy.
Can You Eat Indian Corn On The Cob?
The typical corn on the cob that you eat using an ear of sweet corn and can’t be eaten by using Indian corn. Because the taste and texture of Indian corns are totally different from any other variety of typical corn that is served as corn on the cob during mealtime.
Indian corns are not sweet at all and have a starchy texture which doesn’t taste so good if they are eaten like corn on the cob. So, it would be better if you don’t eat Indian corn on the cob.
What Can I Do With Fresh Indian Corn?
You can pop the corn seeds out of fresh Indian corn and then can dry those corn seeds and use them to make popcorn.
You can also chuck the corn seeds from the corn cob and use them for making masa or cornmeal. And then you can use the masa to make various items such as masa cakes, polenta, tamales, etc. Also, you can make cornmeal out of Indian corn.
Can We Eat All The Corn?
We can not eat every part of the entire corn because when an ear of corn reaches its maturity the cob becomes harder and can’t be eaten. And at that time only the kernels are left as the edible part of the corn.
However, young corn ears that are known as baby corn can be eaten as a whole because they still have tenderness. Baby corns can be eaten raw, stir-fried, and in many other ways.
Final Thoughts:
Indian corns are as edible as any other variety of corns. They can be eaten like popcorn, masa, and plenty of dishes made by using masa, and cornmeal. However, due to a lack of sweetness and having an earthy taste as well as starchy texture, Indian corn can’t be eaten like typical corn on the cob.