TRADITIONAL NATIVE CORN & FOOD

From Kakhwakon Cookbook Recipes, sponsored by Mohawk Indian Housing Corporation

Reprinted from Indian Time Vol. 27 #21-2009

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CORN

Ancient corn was began by Native Americans who developed the founding species. Two plants were grafted together. One plant was a grass for the stem and leaves and the other of another origin for the ears. It is believed this took place in Central America developing over a 2,500-year period to bring corn to its recognizable stages, as we know it today. It is a tropical variety known strictly as a warm weather crop and must be grown in a sunny location. Fertile soil must also be provided. Corn has six main varieties classified as: 1) Dent Corn 2) Flint Corn 3) Pop Corn 4) Soft Corn 5) Sweet Corn 6) Pod Corn. Corn has various colors such as blue, red, yellow and white. The most popular variety at Akwesasne is corn with white kernels and blue corn is second in demand.

SOWING THE WHITE CORN

Plow, disk and rototill the soil when the ground is dry. Plant as early as possible. Sowings are made from early May in the vicinity of Akwesasne. Signs to plant are after the last hard frost. Nothing is gained in sowing before the soil has warmed and the seeds tend to rot in cold soil. Sow fresh seeds for best germination results. Make a hole, not too shallow or the first rain will float the seeds to the surface or the birds will eat it. Firm the soil by stepping on it. The rows need to be at least 3 inches apart due to the late and taller white corn characteristics. Space 10 to 12 inches apart. Long ago the spaces were 2 inches between plants. In those days, the fields were often cross-cultivated laterally as well as horizontally using horses. The minimum number of rows is four, allowing pollen to move from one plant to another. This will ensure that fertilization occurs; the filling of the ears is guaranteed. White corn pollen is heavy and does not travel far by wind. It is recommended that isolation of up to one -fourth mile be kept. If you have a hill or wood lot that screen can be a physical barrier to cross-pollination for closer plantings. Depending on the weather, growing time is variable from 90 to 110 days, the months of May, June, July and August are ideal times for the white corn to mature.

IROQUOIS METHOD OF PLANTING

Start with sterilization by burning the dead matter on top of the ground in the early spring. Work the charcoal and ashes into the soil. Prepare mounds of dirt for the plants. The sign to start the planting in the garden is when the wild cherry and wild plum are in bloom. The astrological reading for sowing should be on or before a full moon. If you want the seeds to sprout sooner, soak them overnight in warm water. By morning the seeds will be expanded. Place organic matter in the hole, fish entrails being the best source, or compost. Drop the seed into the organic matter. Sow five corn seeds in a circular pattern for strength and support from the wind. To prevent and discourage bird invasion on the newly planted corn seeds, sprinkle 1teaspoon ashes in the hole over the seed and cover. When the corn is sprouted in approximately two weeks time, again mound the base of the stalk with more dirt. Plant kidney or other varieties of pole beans next the corn so that they can climb the stalks. Lime the ground a bit around the mound to sweeten the soil. Plant two to three squash seeds at every 10 square feet of space. Favorite varieties are the Boston Marrow Green Squash and Pumpkins (white variety). Each are from different families and can be grown in one garden without cross pollination. This would be important for seed saving. The squash are low and will make a leaf cover to prevent weeds. The “Three Sisters-Corn, Bean and Squash” method will allow production of three gardens in one.

CULTIVATION

After the sprouts are 6 inches – 8 inches tall, cultivate the soil between the rows, killing the weeds and breaking the soil crust. By doing this a dust mulch is formed that is regarded as helpful in times of drought. Stones are believed to be useful in providing limestone, an essential nutrient to the soil and prevent soil erosion. Keep stones in the garden, except for the large types, which are to be removed for the sake of ease on farm equipment. Frequent cultivation, especially when the surface dries after a rain, is extremely important. Fungi and insect pest trouble is derived from damp, un-sunny, un-drained locations. The garden that is sunny and well drained indicates a right location. Sprinkle a small amount of weed ashes between the rows to keep insects away. The ashes are an acid, which eat into the crawlers’ shells, feet and bellies. Positive results justify green cover crops as a ground cover. It will outnumber the weeds between the rows. Clover can be sown by the end of June or first of July. Later in the fall, the cover crop can be turned under as vegetable matter. Soil should also be reinforced at that time with an extra supply of rotted hay abandoned in fields or old barns. Spread the hay about, turn it under with the clover. Let it be over the winter, turn under in the spring.