How does a corn harvester work? This is a question asked by many gardeners who are considering getting a corn processor. Harvesters are mechanical devices used to collect the corn that falls from the corn stalk on the harvested corn acres. The harvesting process removes the outer covering of the corn (the cobs). The machine will then pull the corn out of the ground and into a collection bin or barrel.
A machine like this will allow the user to remove the majority of the "grain" from each corn. The machine will break down the corn into the necessary parts for making corn flakes, corn syrup, corn starch, corn oil and so on. The machine will have a number of rows, typically eight rows deep, lined with row after row of crushed corn kernels. At the end of the rows there will be a large area of empty corn kernels.
There is a trigger on the machine, which moves the movable platform along the rows of corn. Once the platform passes over an area of empty kernel, the trigger will send the machine and a small but strong current of water to the kernel. The water will quickly soften and grind the corn into flour. This grinding action is what gives corn the texture we associate with corn. The user can adjust the amount of water used to make the corn more cakey or coarser.
Before the water is sent to the corn, it must first go over the surface of the corn. The user has a choice of how coarse he/she wants the water to be. If more water is required to get the desired result, the user should make sure there are no weeds close to the point where the water will be hit. If the user wants the water to be gentle, it is best to water the corn at least two weeks before harvesting.
When corn is ground, there is often left behind some of the corn fiber. This is called corns. To get more of these, the user should look for corn husks and straws. Some companies have integrated machinery that can mechanically separate the corns from the other pieces of corn. Some corn harvesters are set up to specifically handle this step.
Depending on how the corn is going to be stored (canned, wet, dry), the machine can be powered by electricity or gas. Most modern gas powered machines are quite efficient, but if more power is needed, the gas engine can sometimes be used to increase the speed of the harvesting process. Electrical machines are generally only used to grind corn in large quantities. Most farmers choose to buy a commercial machine rather than making one themselves. This is because making a corn processor or corn harvester is quite labor intensive.
The actual part that the corn-processor consists of depends on how the machine is designed. Generally, the machine has a blade or teeth that will grab a corn kernel and turn it into corn starch. Storing the starch inside the machine is how does a corn processor work. However, the process of turning the starch into corn flour is usually done by hand, which takes longer. As mentioned, this is one of the reasons why most corn farmers prefer to buy commercial machines rather than make them themselves.
Regardless, of how does a corn processor work, both commercial and residential corn processors are able to produce high-quality corn flakes. They can also be used to make cornbread. Homemade corn is always better than store bought, but many people still want to enjoy the convenience of a corn processor. With corn becoming such a popular food, there should be enough demand for homemade corn flakes that anyone can get their hands on a corn processor.
