Waxy corn or glutinous corn is a field corn characterized by sticky texture when cooked. There are at least six types of corn. Sweet corn, the kind with which most of us are familiar, differs from all the other types of corn because the kernels lack the ability to convert sugar into starch. Because of this, sweet corn retains its sweet taste for a short period of time after it is harvested.
Other types of corns are dent corn has kernels which have an indentation on their tops and contain soft, starchy corn under their dented tops. Flint corn has very hard kernels that when dried are tough to grind. Flour corn has soft kernels that are very easy to grind. Popcorn kernels burst open when heated. Pod corn, which is not well known and seldom grown today, produces tiny husks on which grow multicolored kernels. It is largely a curiosity and only of ornamental significance.
How to Plant
Organic Sticky Sweet Waxy White Corn. To maximize growth they need full sun. Soil temperature needs to be around 60-80F. For corn to germinate soil needs to be warm.
Corn requires warm soil (60-80 degrees) to germinate and rich soil to grow. Wait until after the last frost to direct seed and make sure that plenty of dried manure has been added to the soil several weeks prior to planting. Sow seeds, 1.5 inch deep, 3-4 inches apart, in rows 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. For intense backyard gardening, rows can be as close as 15 inches, but the plants will require frequent fertilization. Because corn is wind pollinated, to maximize the number of fully developed ears, corn should be planted in beds that are nearly square.
Nutritional Value
Waxy corn is a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The corn also provides some potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, and other nutrients, including magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. One of the waxy corn’s distinct traits is its amylopectin content. Waxy corn contains almost 100% amylopectin, a type of starch comprised of water-soluble polysaccharide chains, giving the kernels their chewy nature. Common or yellow dent corn typically has 75% amylopectin and 25% amylose. Beyond starches, Purple Waxy corn contains anthocyanins, a pigment in the purple kernels that contributes antioxidant-like properties to protect the body against free radical damage.