The Origins and Journey of ‘Carl’s Glass Gems’ Rainbow Corn

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This remarkable rainbow corn is 'Carl's Glass Gems,' selected by Native American corn expert Carl Barnes.
This remarkable rainbow corn is 'Carl's Glass Gems,' selected by Native American corn expert Carl Barnes.
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This is 'Carl's Dark Rainbow' corn, developed by Carl Barnes.
This is 'Carl's Dark Rainbow' corn, developed by Carl Barnes.
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A closeup image of 'Carl's Glass Gems' rainbow corn.
A closeup image of 'Carl's Glass Gems' rainbow corn.
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This 'Clear Celeste' corn variety seems to glow with a light from within.
This 'Clear Celeste' corn variety seems to glow with a light from within.
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'Baby Colors' rainbow corn is named for its softer pastel colors.
'Baby Colors' rainbow corn is named for its softer pastel colors.
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This ghostly variation called 'Transparent Gems' offers an array of pale whites, grays and blues.
This ghostly variation called 'Transparent Gems' offers an array of pale whites, grays and blues.
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The 'Glassy Emerald' rainbow corn displays a range of greens and golds.
The 'Glassy Emerald' rainbow corn displays a range of greens and golds.
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This stunning display of golds constitutes 'Montezuma's Platinum' rainbow corn.
This stunning display of golds constitutes 'Montezuma's Platinum' rainbow corn.
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The glittering silk of a young 'Carl's Glass Gems' corn plant signals the variety's new beginning.
The glittering silk of a young 'Carl's Glass Gems' corn plant signals the variety's new beginning.
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'Blue Pearls' variety, still in the husk, reveals the beauty of matured silk.
'Blue Pearls' variety, still in the husk, reveals the beauty of matured silk.
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The 'Blue Pearls' rainbow corn.
The 'Blue Pearls' rainbow corn.
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A trio of  'Carl's Glass Gems' corn.
A trio of  'Carl's Glass Gems' corn.
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'Carl's Dark Rainbow' corn, developed by Native American corn expert Carl Barnes.
'Carl's Dark Rainbow' corn, developed by Native American corn expert Carl Barnes.

[Click here to view a video slideshow of more stunning ‘Carl’s Glass Gems’ varieties.]

The beginnings of maize, or corn as it is commonly called, go back to the indigenous farmers of south central Mexico who worked with its ancestral grasses to bring forth a usable grain. Over thousands of years the Native peoples of the Americas adopted maize into their agricultural and ceremonial lifeways, and developed it into the diverse forms that we see today.                                          

That little ear of corn with the translucent, jewel-colored kernels, whose picture has recently received attention around the world, has a story. And its kinfolk from a remarkably colorful gene pool share this story. Because of this exposure, I find it appropriate to personally share how this corn originated and its journey to this day.

The original seed was obtained from Carl L. Barnes of Oklahoma. Carl is now in his eighties and lives with his son, A.V. Barnes, on their original homestead in the panhandle of the state, a few miles south of Liberal, Kan.

Reconnecting With a Lost Heritage Through Rare Corn

  • Published on Dec 13, 2012
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