I am a life-long Hoosier and never heard of corn sweat before. Have you? I know it’s hot and humid and people sweat… but corn?
It isn’t often you can actually learn something on Facebook, so this is not just interesting info — it’s also a stroke of pure luck. This week is predicted to be the most humid week of the year for the Corn Belt. Wonder why it’s extra muggy?
It’s corn. Sweaty ole’ corn.
One acre of corn can release 4,000 gallons of water per day! Each stalk can release 3 to 4 cups of water a day back into the air.
We’re surrounded by so much corn here at the barndo in Indiana, we’re drowning in humidity.
All that extra water can push up the dew point to near 80°. This is called “corn sweat.” During the summer months, corn crops require a whole lot of water not just to grow, but to also keep cool.
Water uses heat to evaporate and release back into the atmosphere as water vapor. It’s similar to how we sweat to avoid overheating. The water also helps carry nutrients and sugar throughout the corn’s stalk and leaves.
I’m blaming Mr. Farmer for this week’s heat discomfort.
The corn didn’t plant itself, right?
Now you know: In a fit of rage, Emperor Hadrian once stabbed a slave in the eye with a pen. Feeling regretful whe he calmed down, Hadrian called the slave and told him to ask for literally anything as compensation. The slave replied “i just want my eye back.”