Minnesota 13 Dent Corn (Moonshine Corn)
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Zea mays subsp. mays
Seeds per pack ~ 50
Germination: 94% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025
Minnesota 13 refers to a specific strain of dent corn and the moonshine made from it, which were both famously associated with Minnesota's history, particularly during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933).
Minnesota 13 is a variety of red-tinged yellow dent corn that was developed by the University of Minnesota in the early 20th century, specifically bred for the state's shorter growing season. It was known for its high sugar content and excellent yield, making it ideal for fermentation and distillation processes. While it was initially developed for livestock feed and human consumption, its attributes made it a preferred choice for producing moonshine during Prohibition.
With the advent of Prohibition, farmers in Stearns County, Minnesota, and surrounding areas turned to distilling moonshine from Minnesota 13 corn as a means of supplemental income. The moonshine made from this corn was noted for its high quality and potency, earning a strong reputation that extended beyond the local area. The production and distribution of Minnesota 13 moonshine became a significant part of local history, contributing to the area's economy and folklore. It also played a role in the broader context of Prohibition-era bootlegging and illicit distillation practices in the United States.
The story of Minnesota 13 highlights the ingenuity of farmers and the impact of agricultural innovations on broader social and economic trends, including the ways in which communities adapted to and resisted national prohibition laws.
