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I've been put off in the past from growing coloured corn because people don't seem to think it makes for good eating.  I really only grew it for the colour but I'm delighted to report that I love eating it too  :)

I'm sure it depends on your taste buds, but if you like things that are sweet in a 'nutty' way then you'll approve.  If you like things sweet in a sugary way then this isn't for you.  I would also say it tastes buttery and sometimes beetrooty (but that might be the colours suggesting it and not verified by scientific study  :P )

Here's the first one I got that wasn't snaffled by the birds - I was thrilled by the intensity of the colour



A big intense dark one - admittedly had gone a bit far, slightly chewy



and here's one after boiling, still full of colour



Best eating stage and cobs not a bad size



Close-up - little marbled globes



What else?  Practically speaking they're short so easy to net (if you haven't run out mid summer  ::) ) They're short season so, sown 3rd June, cropping from mid-August.  And they crop over a long season, last big one eaten yesterday.  Just some tiddly runts now left to mature.

Last year I grew Ashworth, which was awful, maybe it cross-pollinated with a supersweet because it tasted like animal fodder.  The year before I grew a supersweet which I was quite excited about at the time being my first year on the lottie, but they all matured at the same time and were a bit too soft and sickly sweet.  

Anyway, I certainly won't be going back to yellow - more colour next year. Definitely another patch of this one and got my eye on another indian corn.....  :D

They are a beautiful color. I'd grow them and dry them for Fall Thanksgiving door wreath but the raccoons get them.
Have you tried growing popcorn?

that's a mouth watering review you've written there!! And the short season info is always useful to know
I also tried Ashworth from real Seeds last year - and same with you never again!

1066  :)

Must be old hat for you in the New World GrannieAnnie  ;)  but totally new and exiciting to me......I like eating colours, it's my new obsession in fact, not saving them for a rainy day.  I do like the idea of growing popcorn, but don't like to eat it too much, so I haven't.

1066, I'm glad to hear you back up my opinion on the Ashworth. Sadly, it could put people off open pollinated corn for life, it nearly did me - I didn't think this stuff would be so edible.

Maybe the seed that they sent out had crossed because I've only seen bad reports of it on forums and they must have been able to eat the original corn.  Perhaps I should email them.  I do hate complaining though...

I did let them know what I thought about the Ashworth corn, after all they do say they want all kinds of feedback. Never heard anything back  :-\

where did you get the painted mountain corn  ;)

www.brownenvelopeseeds.com 

Careful, lots of temptations there  ;)

I'd offer you some, but I seem to have used most of the packet already. 

 ;D, I bought some from there yesterday! Today I'm reading this, good to know they are tasty. Your pictures are smashing and I can't wait to try them next year. I've grown a similar type variety this season but they went in a little late so I'm hoping the cobs will have time to finish maturing  :-\

ps I second they do have some lovely seeds  :)

What variety did you grow this year Jayb?  I'm interested to know which coloured ones work here in a modest summer.

BTW, I did also sow 3 direct in the bed at the same time but those came off the worst, very small and weak for some reason.

thanks for the link  :-X   ;)

Does 'PMcorn' have 'normal' colouring on stems otherwise?...as I'm growing some popcorn (unknown variety) this year and the plants itself are nice to look at too...
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The variety I've grown is called Clay Pot by Irish Seed Savers, but I think it would be unfair for me to judge it this year as I was really a bit late sowing  this one :'(
I reckon they need another week or two growing, not sure they will get it weather wise!

Quote from: goodlife on September 18, 2010, 16:42:05
Does 'PMcorn' have 'normal' colouring on stems otherwise?...as I'm growing some popcorn (unknown variety) this year and the plants itself are nice to look at too...

Those are good looking! 

PM plants aren't ordinary - Quite striking - black stems with red highlights. 

It looks lovely.  Really interested in the taste aspect.  I also grew Ashworth last year and was very disappointed.  Seems they were originally selected by mice or rats and they can have them.

Also grew Franchi from packet which was much better flavour and had red leaves.  This year similar packet very green and much slower to mature but lovely taste as immature babycorn.  Also grown Mirai bicolour attractive full looking cobs, lovely soft texture no taste what so ever.  Weather due to warm up this week so I still have hopes of more sweet corn maturing.

Last year I saw quite a few people growing Blue Hopi on this forum.

How did that work out - anyone?

I've got some Blue Hopi growing now....plants are doing well they are over 3 metres tall,,plenty of big cobs on..but fingers cross that cold weather will not come too early and they can ripen up properly..I think some of the cops are ready for use..but I like to save some for seeds.. ;D

I have just eaten my first Mirai for tea, and they must be the sweetest sweetcorn that I have tasted.