Maize that is picked before the kernels have fully matured and dried on the stalk. At this milky stage, the sugars have not yet converted entirely to starch, making the kernels tender and sweet. It is primarily harvested for immediate human consumption or canning, rather than being left in the field to dry for livestock feed or milling.
Heard on the job
We're picking the green corn on the lower acreage tomorrow morning while the sugar content is still high.
Also heard as
- sweet corn
Related terms
Seed corn
High-quality maize kernels kept specifically for planting the next season's crop.
Row crop
A crop planted in distinct, widely spaced rows to allow machinery to pass through for cultivation and harvesting.
Cash crop
An agricultural crop grown specifically to be sold for profit rather than for the farmer's own use.