Despite a spell of cold weather in September and late October, our sweetcorn will hit the shelves this week, well in time for the Christmas festivities.
Gordon McPhail, our General Manager of Farming is predicting a strong sweetcorn season even though it was a late start to planting in September. The cold snap that brought snow to some areas in late October showed signs that the season would start later this year.
“The bad weather that swept through the country in October hit our first sweetcorn plants and slowed down the growth. Luckily, we’ve had a classic Gisborne spring bringing lots of wind, great hot days especially in November but also regular rain to top up the moisture in the field. The perfect spring has helped the crops recover and flourish.
“We’ve been able to plant regularly through the spring, so we should have a consistent supply of the very best sweetcorn from now, and all the way through the summer,” he says.
Demand for sweet corn ramps up from Christmas and then throughout the holiday period as the cobs become the perfect BBQ accessory.
“Wild weather has plagued the last two corn seasons, with heavy storms, Cyclone Gabrielle and last year’s wet cold-snap on Boxing Day. Then a wet January caused slower growth and delayed harvest, which meant that last year’s corn season finished at the end of March,” he says.
Gordon says that growers are a very resilient and optimistic bunch.
“Mother nature tends to rule the roost, especially if you are farming outside. We’ve all had a rough couple of years, and we’re keen for the La Nina weather to bring lots of warm weather with a lot less rain. All growers across the country could do with a summer that has consistently good weather that helps to bring Kiwis lots of great tasting, good quality, fresh produce.”
“So far, our sweetcorn crop looks great. Flowering started on schedule, and we’ve been able to consistently plant throughout November. We’re excited for another delicious season of sweet and juicy sweetcorn. It’s the taste of summer,” says Gordon.
According to Carmel Ireland from 5 + A Day sweetcorn is not only delicious, it’s also highly nutritious
“Adding sweetcorn to your meals is a simple and flavoursome way to add more colours to your diet. Including a variety of vegetables in different colours helps support a nutrient-rich diet. Corn is packed full of antioxidants and great for gut health. It’s a good source of fibre, a source of folate and vitamin C. It’s also an easy way to add one more vegetable into your diet, especially as it’s a hit with the little ones,” she says.
This week, our sweetcorn grown in sunny Gisborne will be in your local supermarket, make sure you grab some today.
Listen on Gordon McPhail on The Country Sport Breakfast, here.