Baby Corn
Baby Corn is unfertilized, de-husked and immature cereal grain which is taken from maize harvested within 3-4 days of silk emergence. It is also known as young corn, Cornlets or Baby Sweetcorn. Baby corn is produced from regular corn plants which are harvested early while the ears are very immature, resulting in small ear or "baby corn". Depending upon the variety, kernels can be yellow, white, blue or even pink. Thailand is the primary producer of baby corn but now it is also grown in India, Kenya and many parts of the world.
What about the production of Baby Corn!
If you want to produce baby corn for personal consumption at your kitchen garden, use the Yellow hybrid maize variety. For commercial cultivation of baby corn, different varieties are used likewise HM-4, HQPM-1, CHH-72, HKH-1075 etc. Baby corn is produced both as primary as well as secondary crop. In primary production, it is only to harvest baby corn. In secondary method, the second ear from the top of plant is harvested as baby corn, while the top most ear is allowed to mature. The choice of the variety, fertilizer rate and planting density are different in these two methods.
The cultivation practices for baby corn is similar to normal corn production. But the crop duration is only about 60 days. Among all the cultivation practices, detasseling is one of the most important practice. The pollinated tender ears would lose quality and hence it is important to prevent pollination. So, the removal of tassel is an essential operation in baby corn production. Detasseling has to be done when tassels begins to emerge; usually around 40-45 DAS.
Baby corn is generally hand picked just at silk emergence stage or few days after. Corn usually matures very quickly, so the harvest of baby corn must be timed carefully to avoid ending up with mature corn ears. 8-10 cm long ears weighing 7-8 gram are ideal for baby corn. When the baby corn is grown as primary crop, all ears are harvested and harvesting continues for about 3-4 weeks from single planting. But in case of secondary crop, second ear from top is harvested and top ear is allowed to mature.
Despite the fact that baby corn is harvested with husk, its freshness can be protected for limited time. Refrigerating immediately after harvest help to retain sweetness. Unhusked baby corn are suitable for refrigeration.
Let's take a look at Baby corn kitchen garden of the Assistant Professor at Agriculture And Forestry University in Nepal, Dr. Madhav Neupane.
How nutritious is baby corn!
- Baby corn has a calorie content that is similar to that of non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and green beans. As a low-calorie food, baby corn can be a good choice if you're trying to lose or maintain healthy weight.
- Baby corn is rich in fibre content.
- Free with fat and contains protein.
- Baby corn is also a source of sodium in the diet.
- Presence of decent amount of carotenoids aids eye health.
- Baby corn is nutrient rich providing Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Iron in your diet. As essential nutrients for our immune system, both vitamin A and C helps your body fight off infection. We also need iron to transport oxygen from lungs to other parts of our body.
Uses of baby corn!
Baby corn adds a quality to many dishes and salads. Its miniature size is attractive, as is the taste, colour and crunch. It can be eaten both Raw as well as Cooked. Normally, people like to steam baby corn for five minutes or until it becomes soft to use with other dishes. Here are some of the ways to use baby corn:
- Used raw along with other vegetables or cook and stir it with your favourite salad.
- Add baby corn to sauce, a rice or bean dish.
- Include baby corn in any stir-fry dish.
- It can also be used as vegetable and can also be used as so many dishes like baby corn chillies, baby corn pakoda, baby corn Manchurian, marinade baby corn etc.
Baby corn is becoming more popular in domestic as well as foreign markets recently. Previously, it was considered expensive and was available in some big cities, even its recipe was available only in star hotels, but now it is easily available everywhere and people are showing more interest towards baby corn. The number of farmers producing it has also increased. The baby corn farming provides a higher income and employment opportunities. It is a huge potential export.The consumers will also get additional nutrition. Baby corn has helped small farmers to continue the business , so the Government should make an extra effort for its promotion and motivate as much as youths to be involved in it.
ALSO SEE:
0 Comments