A Gorgeous Redhead in the Garden (And Other Fabrications)

A couple of weeks ago the two rows of corn in the garden began to tassel.  This is an important time in the development of the corn.  If fertilization is not complete, the ear of corn will be not full.  There will be gaps with a few kernels here and there - not much for eating.  It is also a time in which thunderstorms roll through and threaten to knock down your corn.  So far, so good.

We grow several varieties of non-GMO, heirloom sweet corn.  It grows very tall!

We don't grow a lot of corn - just two rows.  You never know just how the crop is going to be until you shuck the corn and pull back the silk and inspect the ear.  Would you look at that!  This is an ear of Stowell Evergreen Sweet Corn.  I generally eat the first ear standing in the garden.  It is sweet and delicious raw, right off the stalk.

I looked over to the next row of corn and lo and behold, what do I see but a gorgeous redhead standing in our garden.  What is she doing here?  No, Tricia is not a red head.  She has black hair, but calls it dark brown.  I am referring to the brilliant, candy-apple red tint of the silk on an ear of Country Gentleman Sweet Corn.  (I like the name of this variety.)

Country Gentleman is a white sweet corn.  It is sweet and delicious, but has another unique characteristic - the kernels aren't organized in rows.  They are arranged in a haphazard, almost random arrangement.  It doesn't matter what it looks like.  It tastes great!

As I stand in the garden, if I am patient, the afternoon sunset is punctuated by the tassels atop the corn stalk.  The hot sun gives way to a semi-cool breeze and a beautiful sunset.

It is quiet and peaceful - apart from buzzing, swarming hordes of hungry mosquitoes, it would be paradise.

But I'll bring my bucket of corn inside.  Once I shuck it, we will boil it and slather butter and salt on top.  Fresh sweet corn.  

That's some good eating!  Always a good idea to floss after eating corn on the cob...