RAGBRAI 2024 riders taste sweet corn steamed by an antique steam engine

MOUNT PLEASANT — Sweet corn on the cob is a staple of summer in Iowa, but it’s unlikely many people have eaten the crop, steamed in a garbage can by an antique steam engine.

RAGBRAI participants, who wrapped up a day of 85 or 100 miles in Mount Pleasant on Friday, had the chance to sample the sweet corn from the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion trash bin.

The nonprofit Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was founded in 1950 with the mission of preserving agricultural heritage, said Melinda Huisinga, who serves on the Old Threshers board of directors. The organization held its first event that same year, featuring 11 steam engines.

Now the annual five-day reunion draws between 35,000 and 40,000 people, according to the organization’s website. It also showcases 100 steam engines, 1,000 tractors and other equipment, Huisinga said.

The idea for the creatively prepared dish came from Huisinga, who saw the process when she visited Missouri. She also owns the steam engine built in 1915 that cooked corn on the cob in Central Park on Fridays.

More: RAGBRAI riders stop at house that inspired Grant Wood for his painting ‘American Gothic’

The preparation process involves heating the engine with hundreds of gallons of water and burning wood. Huisinga said it takes about two hours to get the fire hot enough to produce the steam pressure to move the engine.

Special hoses attached to the engine direct steam from the machine to the bins where at least 20 corn cobs are stacked. According to Larry Keeven of the organization, it takes about 15 minutes to heat the corn.

“It’s unique,” Huisinga said. “Something they probably didn’t see at RAGBRAI. It’s also a great way to promote Old Threshers.”

RAGBRAI riders Eric and Lisa Thaler and Chris Faiferlick of Prescott, Arizona, tried some of the corn.

Lisa Thaler, 61, who topped her corn with salt, pepper and butter, said, “It’s wonderful. Tender and flavorful.” Eric Thaler backed off.

Fernando Murillo of Chicago said he was impressed with the process.

“Very good,” he said. “I like it.”

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.