Snack Wisely: Discover Cherokee Popcorn

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

While popcorn is generally resistant to ear damage by birds, it develops low on the plants, thus making it more vulnerable to raccoons. If raccoons are a problem in your area, just wrap the developing cobs with sturdy plastic netting. Tie it tight enough to discourage raccoons (the netting gets tangled in their teeth), but not so tight that it prevents the cobs from expanding as they grow. Of course, raccoons were not a problem for the Cherokee because any raccoons wandering into their cornfields ended up in the stewpot.

‘Cherokee Long Ear’ isn’t a long season corn, so it will grow most anywhere in the United States. You can plant the corn after the last frost, but it’s better to wait until the ground is warm because you don’t want the seed to rot, which sometimes happens in cool and rainy conditions. ‘Cherokee Long Ear’ matures to dry ears in 90 to 100 days, so in short season areas you need to know your local frost dates.

For harvesting the corn as sweet corn (or “green corn,” as it was called in colonial times), check the cobs to see how kernel development is coming. It’s ready right before the corn begins to take on dark colors. Pierce a kernel with your fingernail; if it releases white milk, it’s ready. Green corn is so sweet it can be eaten raw right there in the field. Some people consider it a delicacy. Otherwise, let the corn ripen and dry on the stalks both for seed saving and for use as cornmeal or popcorn. Dry the popcorn on the cobs for a few weeks after harvest, then remove the kernels and put them in airtight containers in the freezer.

Popcorn is best when frozen because the reaction between the cold corn and the hot oil will yield more popped kernels and more evenly sized popcorn.

POPCORN PIE

Now for the fun part! It was indeed a challenge to decide what sort of recipe to include with this article. There are so many choices, but space simply won’t allow. So, I have settled on popcorn pie. Yes, it has popped corn in it, and it’s the perfect finale for just about any dinner. It is somewhat cakelike and goes great with strong coffee and vanilla ice cream. (Any variety of unsalted popcorn can be used.)

4 cups freshly popped popcorn (unsalted)
1 cup toasted peanuts (unsalted)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup black strap molasses
1/4 cup water or strong coffee
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp melted butter (unsalted)
1 9-inch prepared pie shell

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

GET MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC:

HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDENING CD-ROM'

WILLIAM WOYS WEAVER

CD Rom

Our Price: Price: $29.95

• Browse CDs

100 VEGETABLES AND WHERE THEY CAME FROM '

William Woys Weaver

Hardcover

Our Price: Price: $18.95

• Browse Recommended Products