This weeks edition of 5 Minute Fridays is about Removing Popcorn Kernels from the Cobs. What seems like a simple job can be a real pain. But I’ve found a great hack that will make quick work of this garden task.
One of my favorite garden crops to grow is popcorn. It’s really a pretty carefree plant for your garden, plant it and give it a little water and it pretty much takes care of itself. (Learn more about growing popcorn here).
But once you have harvested and cured your popcorn then the real work begins. You have to start removing popcorn kernels from the cobs. We have been growing popcorn for about 10 years now and I have tried about every method I could think of to get those kernels off the cobs.
All of them result in very sore hands and fingers. Popcorn Kernels are hard and rough and they can really work over the skin of your hands!! Most years we have between 50 to 75 cobs to deal with, so it can be a literal pain!
Removing Popcorn Kernels from the Cobs
But I discovered a trick a couple of years ago that has made this job a lot easier. I filmed a short video demonstrating how it works. Watch it below and then I will explain how to build this simple tool.
The tool itself is very easy to make. The one in this picture and the video is made out of a small piece of 2×3 lumber. But you could also make it out of a 2 x 4 or really any piece of scrap wood. Hardwood would be the best choice, but I’ve just made mine out of pine.
To build it first cut a 45-degree angle onto one end of the board. Next, cut the other side off leaving about 1 1/2 inches of straight wood at the top of the angle. This makes it fit your hand really well and makes it easy to hold on to. Sand the finished tool a little bit to remove any slivers and to easy over the edges.
That’s it!! This simple tool will make quick work of Removing Popcorn Kernels from the Cobs. Be sure to do the actual work inside a tall box to help contain the mess. And be sure to wear eye protection to keep those flying kernels out of your eyes.
Letting Volunteer Potatoes Grow in your Garden
To shell your popcorn use a “hand popcorn sheller” attached is a link. I have been using one for several years and it works great! My challenge is getting the little whitish “hulls” off of the kernels before storing them. I also use an air popper and if you don’t remove those little hulls they go flying all over the kitchen as the popcorn pops.
Thank you,
Cal Fischer
Wisconsin
Forgot the link for the hand popcorn sheller. https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/hand-popcorn-sheller
Cal
Wow, that’s a great tool. I might have to get one for us to use!