Sweet corn is typically ready for harvesting about 18-22 days after the silk emerges, and you pick it by using a downward and twisting motion to snap the ear from the stalk. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Maturity Indicators:
- Silking: Sweet corn is generally ready 18-22 days after the silk first appears. This timeframe can vary based on weather conditions and specific corn variety.
- Silk Color: Look for silk that has turned brown and dry.
- Ear Fullness: Feel the ear through the husk. It should feel plump and full, indicating well-developed kernels.
- Kernel Test: You can carefully peel back a small portion of the husk and puncture a kernel with your fingernail. The liquid inside should be milky. If it's clear and watery, it's not ready. If it's pasty, it's overripe.
Harvesting Method:
- Grasp the Ear: Hold the ear firmly with one hand.
- Pull Downward and Twist: Pull the ear downward and twist your wrist in a snapping motion. This should detach the ear from the stalk cleanly.
- Avoid Tearing the Stalk: Try to avoid tearing or damaging the main stalk during harvest.
Mechanical Harvesting:
- While hand-picking is common for smaller-scale operations and home gardens, larger farms often utilize mechanical harvesters to efficiently gather sweet corn. These machines are becoming increasingly prevalent in commercial agriculture.
Post-Harvest Handling:
- Sweet corn is best consumed soon after picking because the sugars begin converting to starch, reducing sweetness. Store it in the refrigerator to slow this process.
