corn drying - Page 2

 

Craig L wrote:

They have a design for a food dehydrator here.
http://solarcooking.org/plans.htm

Anthony

 



I grew up on a farm. We sold corn at ~10-15% water. Other wise the price
when down.
All of the dryers I have seen and used have forced air involved along with
heat.
Plumping 20 pounds of corn in your solar oven is like putting 6 loads of
laundry in the dryer.
Cut the corn down to 2-3 pounds and then dry stir frequently, top kernels to
the bottom.
I assume that the corn was suspended on something.

The storage cribs with corn on the cob that are vertically slotted are used
for animal feed not drying. The concept is to allow some air to cut down on
the mold and mildew that will form on the corn.

 

If you live in a dry part of the country it will dry while still on the
stock. Then pick it. Remove the husk and store it.

If you live in a wet area in the fall, then peal back the husk and hang it
while it's still on the cob until it's dry. Garage or attic is fine. Then
shell it a little at a time as you need it. A hand cranked corn Sheller is a
great thing to have. A friend of mine fed corn to the animals and they
shelled what they needed for each day.  Much better than doing a winters
supply all at once.

 

Thank you everyone for your help

 

Craig L wrote:

Hi Craig,

Here is a publication that might be useful:

      Low-Temperature and Solar Grain Drying Handbook
Book number: MWPS-22
Price: $6.00 SALE: $3.00

Explained here are structures, procedures, and recommendations for
air-flow and solar grain drying with respect to the North Central
United States. Drawings and diagrams enhance text. Numerous plans for
dryers are included. 1980 (3rd printing 1983), 86 pp., 8 1/2 x 11,
illus., softcover/3-hole punch, ISBN 0-89373-048-3.


Available from:
https://www.mwpshq.org/catalog.html


--


Gary

www.BuildItSolar.com
gary@BuildItSolar.com
"Build It Yourself" Solar Projects