Quality evaluation of canned whole kernel corn grown in Oregon

Graduation date: 1953The purpose of this work was to analyze whole kernel corn for such factors as succulence, pericarp content and size of kernels and to check for possible relationships between these values and the subjective tests for tenderness and maturity and flavor.\ud In addition the purpose of this investigation was to accumulate values for succulence, pericarp content and kernel size for sweet corn grown in this area.\ud All varieties were harvested in August 1952, when their moisture content was close to 70 percent. Succulence of this canned corn ranged from 24.7 to 15.2 ml. for 17 varieties; and the six varieties recommended ranged from 24.7 to 22.8 ml.\ud Pericarp content was determined by the standard method, and it was found to be very low when compared with similar data from other sections of the country. Values ranged from 0.6230 to 1.1951 percent, and the six best varieties recommended for all factors together, from 0.6230 to 0.7872 percent.\ud The largest diameters in inches of twenty kernels were measured with a micrometer. Size ranged from 7.0685 to 8.5005 inches for twenty kernels. The same six best varieties ranged from 7.0885 to 7.8730 inches.\ud In addition to these three objective tests a panel of seven members graded this corn for maturity and tenderness on a basis of forty points, and flavor on a basis of twenty points. For maturity and tenderness all varieties lie between 37.1 and 26.4, with the six varieties recommended between 37.1 and 35.7. For flavor the range for all varieties is from 17.6 to 13.3. The same six varieties are from 17.6 to 15.7.\ud Results show that the combination test proposed by Kramer can be applied successfully, and that pericarp content can be omitted in this combination test for corn grown under irrigation in this part of the country. In fact, succulence and kernel size predicted maturity with a multiple correlation of 0.936