This ear of baby corn, grown at Green Produce Farm, is perfect for the export market.
The Production of baby corn is not very popular in Jamaica but Pat Isaacs-Green saw a need and is now the only farmer who grows it on a large scale.
Clive Richards, farm manager showed the Lifestyle team how the delectable product is cultivated. In the raving sun, we went through the field. Richards joined the team and and suddenly the movie Children of Corn came to mind as we stood in the midst of the fully grown crop. However, there were no monster children waiting to leap at us, only succulent miniature cobs.
Labour-intensive
Richards notes that baby-corn farming is labour-intensive and takes 55 days after planting to harvest. The corn is planted four to five inches apart. Two to three days later, the tassels are removed. Fourteen days after planting, they are fertilised. Then they are sprayed for insects.
You know corn is ready to be harvested as soon as the corn silk, emerges from the ear tips. He added that the silk can be used to make tea and is said to be good for the prostate. Baby corn mature very quickly, so harvesting should be carefully timed to avoid it being over mature. When reaping, you should break it at the end then peel off the casing and brush off silk. He demonstrated this and asked everyone to taste it. Lifestyle Editor Barbara Ellington was the first to dig in and noted that it was very tasty, even better than the processed varieties we import. We all did agree it was very delicious.
Right size
Richards said that once the corn has to be the right size because if they are too big, they can only be sold on the local market. For storage, corn are packed in freezer bags vertically and refrigerated until they are ready for shipping. The baby corn has good shelf life but if placed in the freezer it can get burnt and the colour will change.
keisha.shakespeare@gleanerjm.com
Green Produce Farm's Manager Clive Richards (left) with Lifestyle Editor Barbara Ellington (centre) and Patricia Isaacs-Green. Behind them are reporters Daviot Kelly and Sacha Walters during the Lifestyle team's day on the farm in St Ann last Monday. - Photos by Nashauna Drummond
Ways to use baby corn
1. Serve raw with other vegetables and a low-fat dip.
2. Toss cooked baby corn into your favourite pasta salad or tossed salad.
3. Include baby corn in any stir-fry dish.
4. Add baby corn to spaghetti sauce, a rice and bean dish, or casserole.
5. Serve steamed baby corn as a side dish topped with a bit of olive oil or butter and a dash of salt.
6. Add to vegetable soups or stews, adding near the end of cooking time.
7. Marinate baby corn to serve as a vegetable side dish or add to pasta or tossed salads.
