Memories of Indian corn, popcorn and the large garden return

Maples were dressed in fall colors when Mother said it was getting time to harvest the popcorn, Indian corn and melons in the large garden south of the barn. The second garden was necessary because the one nearest the house was too small. No crop produced more joy than the Indian corn with its multi-colored ears of orange, black, red, purple, and blue. Indian corn, which was domesticated thousands of years ago in Mexico and South America, is a distant ancestor of the hybrid varieties. The crop was essential for ancient civilizations, which recognized it as a great gift from God. It remains so for farmers in our modern age. Mother was convinced the popcorn she grew was better than anything available from grocery stores. The crop necessitated both patience and skill. Although she did not scientifically measure its moisture content, she knew that harvesting it at the right level was critical. It pops best when moisture content is between 13 -14.5%. Ears were run through