If I store my Indian corn and gords in a paper bag in the closet, will they still be good next Thanksgiving?

Question

I want to be sure that the stuff doesn't spoil, if it can spoil.

Answer 1

...wat do you think?

Answer 2

Everyone is on the correct path; you need to "dry" the items first. That means a sheltered but "airy" spot such as a barn, unheated garage,... Do not count on keeping them in the house or apartment to dry... Some people leave gourds out in the field 'til cured. Now those little, decorative, warty may be a different story. Many are varnished just for short term preservation (i.e. that season) so they'll likely rot.

Answer 3

you have to dry it first or be prepared for some bad smells pluming out of your closet. here are directions for drying corn.
Take 12 ears fresh corn in husks.
Carefully peel back husks, leaving them attached at base of corn. clean corn, removing silks. Fold husks back into position. Place on wire rack in large shallow baking pan. (Allow space between ears so air can circulate.) Bake in 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours. Cool. Strip off husks. Hang corn, so ears do not touch, in a dry place till kernels are dry, at least 7 days. Makes about 6 cups shelled corn.
and for gourds:
Handle the fruit gently so you don’t bruise or scratch it. If the skin is only slightly dirty, wipe it with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. If it is quite dirty, wash in warm soapy water and rinse in clean water to which a household disinfectant has been added. This removes both soil and soil-borne bacteria. Dry each gourd with a soft cloth.
Spread the fruit on several layers of newspaper or on open shelves in a warm dry place such as a porch, garage or shed. During the day they can be placed outside, but do not allow dew to fall on them at night.
Space gourds so they do not touch. This allows air to freely circulate among them and speeds up drying. Turn the gourds daily and change newspapers that have become dampened from moisture. The surface drying takes about a week. During this time, the outer skin hardens and the surface color sets. Remove and discard all fruits that begin to shrink or develop soft spots.
An additional 3-4 weeks will be needed to dry the gourds. Wipe the gourds again with a soft cloth soaked in household disinfectant. Spread in shallow trays or on newspaper and place in a warm, dry dark area (attic, closet floor, dry warm basement). The warmth encourages rapid drying, darkness prevents color fading and dryness discourages mold & mildew. The larger gourds (dipper, or bottle types) have relatively thin rinds and cure more easily than the small decorative types.


thx for the 2 points! ☺

Answer 4

The Indian corn, since by now it's likely nice and dry, should be fine as long as no critters munch on it. The gourds will be fine as long as they are totally dried out. If not they will probably spoil.

Answer 5

I tried that once and my gourds got moldy (not to mention pretty smelly). I think if you are going to store them that you have to dry them out somehow first.

The corn should keep if it's already dried and kept separately from the gourds.

Answer 6

yes Indian corn will last

gourds will turn moldy

Answer 7

dont think so

Answer 8

YES.