Jimmy Red Corn | One of the Most Famous Red Corn Varieties in the United States!
Jimmy Red Corn is more than just a type of corn. It’s a piece of American history and culture. Originating from the southern United States, this heirloom corn variety carries stories of secrecy, tradition, and resilience. During the Prohibition era, moonshiners used Jimmy Red Corn for its ability to blend into the forest, helping them evade law enforcement. Its history is intertwined with Native American traditions, though no specific tribe is linked to its origin.
The corn was on the brink of extinction when the last known native American growing the corn passed. Thankfully, Ted Chewing, a celebrated local farmer saved two corn ears and saved from its complete wipeout. Corn has surprising health benefits too. Let’s dive into the details.
History of Jimmy Red Corn
Origins and Native American Connection
Jimmy Red Corn is believed to have been cultivated and used by Native Americans. However, the exact tribe is unknown. It survived a near-extinction thanks to the seed saver, Ted Chewing. The red corn made its way to South Carolina around 1910, thanks to Richard Humphries from Screven, Georgia. It played a significant role in sustaining communities in Georgia and South Carolina. With the rise of industrial agriculture, Jimmy Red Corn was largely forgotten and became an endangered strain.
Richard Humphries brought Jimmy Red Corn to South Carolina, where it became a staple for local communities. Its ability to provide sustenance was crucial during tough times. But as other corn varieties gained popularity, Jimmy Red Corn’s cultivation declined.
Jimmy Red Corn During the Prohibition Era
Moonshiners’ Choice
During Prohibition, moonshiners favored Jimmy Red Corn because of its ability to blend into the forest, making it less noticeable to law enforcement. Its high sugar content made it ideal for distillation, producing smooth and flavorful whiskey.
“In the 1980s, you used to be able to go to James Island… and you’d get a jar of Jimmy Red hooch with it. But though I knew the hooch, I never knew the corn.”
Glenn Roberts, founder of Anson Mills
The Near Extinction and Revival of Jimmy Red Corn
Decline and Endangerment
As industrial agriculture took over Jimmy Red Corn’s cultivation declined. It was considered endangered for many years. Its unique qualities and historical significance were almost lost.
Ted Chewning’s Efforts
James Island local Ted Chewning played a crucial role in saving Jimmy Red Corn. The last known bootlegger of the corn cultivation passed and the corn almost went extinct with him. However, two corn ears were saved from his plot. It was then gifted to a renowned local farmer and seed saver Ted Chewning.
He started growing it and preserving its seeds, slowly increasing the seed stock. Chewning’s passion for saving nearly extinct plant varieties extended beyond Jimmy Red Corn to other plants like beans, radishes, watermelons, and field peas. Thanks to his efforts, Jimmy Red Corn found its way back to the culinary scene.
“This is what grits must have tasted like a hundred years ago. When you open the bag to decant them, this wonderful nutty aroma wafts out.”
Chef Forrest Parker (Vendue Hotel in Charleston’s historic French Quarter)
Peter Frank Edwards for High Wire Distilling Co)
Chewning shared Red Corn seeds with organic growers and farmers. He even gave some to food historian David Shields, author of The Culinarians: Lives and Careers from the First Age of Fine Dining. He boarded it in a catalog of endangered heritage foods, the ‘Slow Food Ark of Taste.’
Chef Sean Brock also received the seeds from Ted and grew the seeds himself. After a while, he started serving Jimmy Red Grits, flapjacks, and cornbread in his restaurants. Sean’s love for the flavorful corn went above and beyond. He even tattooed it on his arm.
Characteristics and Uses of Jimmy Red Corn
Botanical Features
Jimmy Red Corn (Zea mays indentata) is an open-pollinated dent corn. In South Carolina, its stalks can grow between 2 to 3.5 meters tall. Each stalk produces up to two ears, which are 25 to 31 centimeters long with about thirteen rows of kernels. Initially yellow, the kernels turn a deep red when they mature and dry, creating a visually striking appearance.
Distillation into Whiskey
Jimmy Red Corn’s high sugar content makes it perfect for distillation, resulting in a smooth and flavorful whiskey.
“The pearls of oil on the distillate taste of marzipan and light cherry — not corn.”
Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling described.
This unique quality has made Jimmy Red Corn whiskey a sought-after product.
Health Benefits of Jimmy Red Corn
Nutritional Profile
Jimmy Red Corn is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin
A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and more. It also contains anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and inflammation.
Health Benefits
Jimmy Red Corn offers numerous health benefits across various body systems:
Digestive System: It helps regulate digestion and prevent diseases like colon cancer and intestinal inflammation.
Circulatory System: It supports heart health, manages cholesterol levels, and prevents conditions like anemia and hypertension.
Skin and Hair: It aids in skin rejuvenation, prevents hair loss, and protects against sun damage.
Reproductive Health: It improves sperm quality, supports pregnancy, and relieves menstrual pain.
Nervous System: It helps prevent stress, supports cognitive function, and improves mood.
Bone Health: It supports bone growth, treats bone loss, and prevents osteoarthritis.
Immune System: Its antioxidant properties strengthen the immune system and protect against free radicals.
Conclusion
Jimmy Red Corn’s journey from near extinction to culinary fame is a testament to its historical, cultural, and modern-day significance. Thanks to individuals like Ted Chewning, this heirloom variety continues to thrive, offering unique flavors and health benefits. By supporting and exploring heirloom varieties like Jimmy Red Corn, we can preserve agricultural biodiversity and cultural heritage. Let’s celebrate and sustain the legacy of this remarkable corn.
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