A bushel of sweet corn typically contains about 24 to 30 ears, depending on their size and how tightly packed the bushel is. The exact number can vary based on the size of the corn and the way it’s measured, but 25 ears is a common estimate.
The number of ears of sweet corn in a bushel can vary based on several factors, including the size of the ears, the variety of corn, and how the corn is packed into the bushel. A bushel is a unit of volume that is equivalent to 8 dry quarts or approximately 35.2 liters.
Here are some more details:
- Average Size of Ears:
- A typical ear of sweet corn is about 7 to 9 inches long, but larger ears can be closer to 10 inches or more.
- Smaller ears, especially those from younger plants or certain varieties, will take up less space in the bushel, meaning you can fit more in.
- Weight Considerations:
- A bushel of sweet corn typically weighs about 25 to 30 pounds.
- An average ear of corn weighs around 1/2 to 1 pound, so this further suggests that a bushel will contain around 24 to 30 ears.
- How Corn Is Measured:
- When measuring sweet corn in a bushel, it is usually done by volume, and the ears are packed loosely.
- Some sources may count up to 32 or even 36 ears per bushel if the ears are small and packed loosely.
In summary, while 25 ears is a common estimate, the range can be anywhere from 24 to 30 ears, with the exact number depending on ear size and how the bushel is packed.