Is This Popular Retro Holiday Decoration also Edible

There are many ideas for Fall decorations but one particular decoration takes me back to my childhood, Indian Corn. It was the one decoration my Mom got every year around the end of September and always had on display until Thanksgiving.

The funny part about this particular decoration was she would keep it year to year and I was always amazed how well it held up. It always looked good except for the year the mice found it which was not pleasant. We called it Indian corn, nowadays it is referred to as Flint Corn, Gem Corn, and Ornamental Corn.

Where You Can Buy Ornamental Corn in the Hudson Valley

Just about every farm market has some but it goes fast. Apparently, it is back in favor this fall decor. I like it because it adds rustic color to your fall decorations and I am not alone.

What spurred me to tell you about ornamental corn was a post from Boices Farm in Saugerties which has a large variety of ornamental corn for you to pick from but hurry it will go fast.

Can You Eat Ornamental Corn

Yes, most certainly you can eat flint or ornamental corn but it isn't like the corn we get in the grocery store or even from a local farmer. Flint corn has a rich history with the American Indians.

Just know, if you plan to add ornament corn to your diet it is important to research recipes and be sure you are getting food grade so that you know it hasn't been treated with any chemicals for preservation and pest control.

I went online and did a quick search for recipes and was only able to find a few similar dishes. I think cooking this ancient food source may be a forgotten art.

What is the Best Way to Store Ornamental Corn from Year to Year

So most likely you will be sticking with your corn being a decoration, not a meal so storing it year to year will need to be mouse-proof. I have a sprig or a bouquet if you will of Flint corn hanging on my wall from about 10 years ago and it still looks great.

So if you are worried about storing it maybe like me and just leave it out hanging on a wall. If you are going to tuck it away be sure to put it in a plastic tub or something else that is mouse proof otherwise they will find it and they will eat it.

Get our free mobile app