Glass Bead Corn

February 23, 2024 Post a Comment

Glass bead corn

The translucent kernels really do shine brilliantly like glass—on the cob they resemble strands of glass beads! The 3- to 8-inch ears are not only decorative, but edible and delicious as well. Makes firm little morsels when popped, but can also be parched, ground into meal, and more.

How rare is glass gem corn?

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.

What is glass gem corn used for?

CULINARY USES: 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 glass gem corn genetically modified?

Glass gem is real, not photoshopped nor genetically modified, and just a regular open-pollinated variety that looks more like pieces of jewelry than actual corn with different shades of pink, purple, yellow, green and blue.

Can you pop glass corn?

As a flint corn, you can use Glass Gem for decoration, but also grind it for [cornmeal or flour], or pop it (more on that later).

Is glass gem corn man made?

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. Over successive generations, Barnes selectively saved and planted seeds that demonstrated vibrant colors.

What is the rarest corn?

The rarest corn in the whole world; Texas Gourdseed Corn. Through our partnership with Barton Springs Mill, we have access to these rare seeds to grow on our regenerated lands in the Texas Hill Country.

Can you boil and eat glass gem corn?

Glass gem corn is a flint corn. This makes it good for making popcorn or cornmeal, but not so great for eating off of the cob. Thanks!

What does glass gem corn taste like?

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.

What color corn is healthiest?

Nutritional value: Yellow corn contains slightly more nutritional value than white corn because the pigment that makes corn yellow, beta carotene, turns into vitamin A when digested. Yellow corn is also a good source of lutein.

How long does it take to grow glass gem corn?

Glass Gem can be harvested approx. 110-120 days after planting when the husks are dry and brown for the most intense and translucent colors. Seed Saver Size includes approx 35g/250 seeds plus information on corn pollination and seed saving.

What is the most beautiful corn in the world?

"Glass gem corn," the most beautiful corn in the world, tells an interesting story about biodiversity.

Can you eat rainbow corn on the cob?

Pretty as this corn is, don't expect to cook and eat it like regular sweet corn, right off the cob. It's a type of flint corn that has a hard outer layer, so you can only eat it by grinding it into cornmeal or popping it into popcorn (which, sadly, isn't rainbow-colored).

How old is glass gem corn?

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.

How can you tell if corn is non GMO?

Identify how produce is grown by reading its label or sticker number.

4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.
5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.
5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. (

Does glass gem corn taste different?

Glass Gem corns have chewy textures and have a bland taste. The outer layer of the kernels is hard but soft inside. This corn doesn't have a specific taste but is somewhat known for its high starch content.

Does glass gem corn pop in color?

Glass Gem, as you can see, manifests in a variety of colors. Bright yellows, deep blues, reds and even greens find their way into each ear. Once the kernels were dry enough to pop easily off the ear, we shelled the corn with our handy corn sheller .

Does glass gem corn make colored popcorn?

110-120 days. This stunning popcorn produces a treasure trove of colorful corn that glows with the splendor of stained glass.

Can you grow glass corn?

Glass gem corn came out of that effort, and the seed and corn quickly became a hot commodity. What is this? The real beauty of this heirloom corn is that it is an open-pollinated variety. That of course means that a few kernels (seeds) can be saved from each year's harvest to plant and grow again.