Zea mays 'Glass Gem' (Corn, Flint) - Seed SS

(100 days). This is a flint corn used for making flour or as a popping corn. Unlike sweet corn, it is not edible right off the cob.  It was likely bred as an ornamental variety - for obvious reasons. Many of these exquisite ears are simply too beautiful to eat.  Like many heirloom treasures, Glass Gem corn has a name, a place, and a story. Its origin traces back to Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer living in Oklahoma.  Carl Barnes’ (pictured in his corn field) kaleidoscopic corn has become a beacon - and perhaps an inspiring symbol - for the global seed-saving revival.  Barnes had an uncanny knack for corn breeding. More specifically, he excelled at selecting and saving seed from those cobs that exhibited vivid, translucent colors. Like other flint corn it is excellent for polenta and hominy.