Glass Gem corn is an incredibly rare and unique strain of flint corn. Its origins can be traced back to the Cherokee tribe and a man named Carl Barnes, who dedicated years of his life to developing this extraordinary variety. The story of Glass Gem corn is one of resilience and serendipity, as it almost disappeared from existence before being rediscovered by a curious farmer.
To truly understand the rarity of Glass Gem corn, we must delve into its history. Carl Barnes, a Cherokee farmer from Oklahoma, dedicated over 20 years of his life to selectively breeding and preserving traditional Native American corn varieties. He had a particular fascination with the vibrant colors found in heirloom corn, and his goal was to revive and preserve these unique traits.
Through careful crossbreeding and selection, Barnes eventually developed an exquisite variety of flint corn with kernels displaying a stunning array of colors. Each kernel could boast shades of red, yellow, blue, purple, orange, and even translucent hues. The result was Glass Gem corn, a truly breathtaking corn variety that captured the imaginations of many.
However, despite its beauty, Glass Gem corn remained relatively unknown to the wider world. It wasn’t until a chance discovery that its popularity began to soar. In 2010, a farmer named Greg Schoen stumbled upon a jar labeled “Glass Gem” in a seed bank. Intrigued, he decided to plant a few kernels in his garden, not fully aware of what he had in his hands.
When the corn stalks grew and the ears developed, Schoen was astounded by the kaleidoscope of colors that emerged. He quickly realized the significance of his discovery and shared it with the world. Photographs of Glass Gem corn went viral, capturing the attention of gardeners, farmers, and corn enthusiasts worldwide.
The rarity of Glass Gem corn lies not only in its stunning appearance but also in its scarcity. Due to its unique genetics, it is challenging to produce large quantities of this corn variety. Each ear of Glass Gem corn is unique, with its own distinct combination of colors and patterns, making it a truly one-of-a-kind gem.
Additionally, the cultivation of Glass Gem corn requires careful attention to ensure its purity. The pollen from other corn varieties can easily contaminate the ears, altering their colors and diluting their uniqueness. This makes it challenging to maintain the integrity of the Glass Gem strain and contributes to its rarity.
Furthermore, the demand for Glass Gem corn far outweighs its availability. As more people learn about this incredible variety, the desire to grow and experience it firsthand increases. However, limited seed availability and the need for careful cultivation practices make it challenging to meet this demand.
Glass Gem corn is an exceedingly rare and unique variety of flint corn. Its origins in the hands of Cherokee Carl Barnes, its near disappearance, and its rediscovery by a curious farmer all contribute to its rarity. The breathtaking array of colors displayed by each ear, combined with the challenges of cultivation and limited seed availability, make Glass Gem corn a truly special and highly sought-after gem in the world of corn varieties.
