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Ripe sweetcorn?

• Message 1. 

  Posted by Paull2 (U14064177) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  This is the first year that I've grown sweetcorn seriously. The plants are about 5' tall each with 3-4 cobs formed. I've read that two ways of determining the ripeness of sweetcorn are first that the silky threads on top of the cobs go brown and wither. Second, that you pinch a kernel and see if white liquid comes out. Well the browning is happening but when I try to access the kernels, they really are still well wrapped up tight in moist leaves and I don't want to destroy the cob by uncovering too early. They also don't feel very 'fat' to harvest. Shouldn't the cobs' covering be dry and the kernel bursting out the top? Any advice please?

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• Message 2

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  Posted by Italophile (U12516505) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  I've always found squeezing the kernel a bit more reliable test. I've managed to carefully peel away the very top of the wrap to access kernels without doing any overall damage.

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  Posted by BaraGwenith (U14257539) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  If you leave your sweetcorn until the outer covering is dry there will be no point in eating the cobs, you might as well leave them out for the birds.
  
  Just gently pull back the leaves at the top of the cob. The kernels will be a good colour and when you press one with a thumbnail liquid will come out.
  
  The best way to cook sweetcorn is in the microwave without taking the leaves off first. Do not delay between picking and cooking, sweetcorn starts to deteriorate as soon it is picked.
  

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  Posted by Paull2 (U14064177) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  Thanks for the tips. I have netted the patch to deter feathered marauders but I'll have a go at accessing the kernels as you suggest.

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  I would not eat an unripe fruit otherwise but last year we ate them quite early and came to no harm, and they tasted good.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2011

  Well done on producing such an early crop mine didn't ripen until September/October time last year.
  
  Can I ask a Q...is mini pop checked in the same way to see if it's ripe. I'm growing both this year, me thinking mini pop would be ready earlier, it being smaller and so there would be two consequtive crops.

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