Mini corn, often found in cans or jars, is not the product of a special dwarf corn plant. Rather, it consists of immature ears from regular-sized corn plants, according to Jim Myers, an Oregon State University vegetable breeder.
Here's a breakdown of mini corn growth:
- Regular Corn Plants: Mini corn grows on standard-sized corn plants, not a smaller variety.
- Harvested Early: The key difference is that mini corn is harvested much earlier than regular corn. The ears are picked when they are very young and small.
- Immature Ears: These harvested ears are essentially underdeveloped ears of corn.
- Processed and Sold: Typically, mini corn is processed and sold in cans or jars.
| Aspect | Mini Corn | Regular Corn |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Size | Grown on standard-sized plants | Grown on standard-sized plants |
| Ear Maturity | Harvested immature | Harvested mature |
| Usage | Often canned or jarred | Typically used as sweet corn |
In summary, the small size of mini corn comes from harvesting normal corn ears at an early stage, before they mature, and not from a unique dwarf variety of corn plant.
