How to Winnow & Clean Maize

Dry your corn. The easiest drying method is field-drying, leaving your corn on the stalk in the field until late in the season, allowing it to dry in place.

Using string, hang your corn in the husk in a cool, dry storage area for the winter. This will allow air flow around the plant, ensuring that the corn dries completely. The natural husk will continue to protect the kernels over the winter.

Roughly shuck the corn as planting time approaches. Knock the kernels from the cob -- do not cut them, but rather remove the whole kernel. Use a table or other large, clean, flat surface to catch the kernels as they fall. The kernels will still contain pieces of husk, cob, and other plant parts. This is the chaff -- light, unwanted pieces that will need to be removed.

Collect the kernels and winnow them one basketful or bowlful at a time. Shake the bowl or basket vigorously, so that the chaff rises to the surface. If you're working outdoors in a breeze, allow the wind to blow the chaff away. Otherwise, use your breath or a fan to blow the chaff from the surface of the kernels.

Treat and further clean the kernels (this is only necessary if rot or other diseases are a concern) by soaking them for 25 minutes in a pot or pan held at a constant 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't allow the temperature to rise above this point, as it can damage the viability of the seed. Spread the seed kernels and allow them to dry thoroughly before planting or storage.

Store the seed kernels in paper bags inside a dark-colored plastic container in a cupboard until planting time. If desired, you can sprinkle the kernels with diatomaceous earth before storage to protect them from insect infestations. Diatomaceous earth will not harm the seeds and is even safe for human consumption, but is lethal to bugs.