RAGBRAI riders try sweet corn steamed by antique steam engine in Mount Pleasant

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

RAGBRAI participants, who ended an 85- or 100-mile day Friday in Mount Pleasant, got their chance to sample the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion's trash can sweet corn.

The nonprofit Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was founded in 1950 with a mission to preserve agricultural heritage, according to Melinda Huisinga, who is on the Old Threshers board of directors. The organization hosted its first event the same year with 11 steam engines.

Now, the annual five-day reunion brings between 35,000 to 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's also the owner of the steam engine built in 1915 that was cooking up corn on Friday at Central Park.

More: RAGBRAI riders stop at home that inspired Grant Wood's 'American Gothic' painting

The preparation process involves heating up the engine using 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 connected to the engine allow steam to run from the machine to the trash cans where at least 20 corn husks are piled. It takes about 15 minutes to heat the corn, according to Larry Keeven, of the organization.

"It's unique," Huisinga said. "Something they probably didn't see on RAGBRAI. It's a great way to market Old Threshers, too."

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

Lisa Thaler, 61, who loaded her corn with salt, pepper and butter, said: "It's amazing. Tender, it's flavorful." Eric Thaler went back for a second.

Fernando Murillo of Chicago said he was impressed learning about the process.

"Really good," he said. "I like it."

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com . Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: RAGBRAI riders try sweet corn steamed by antique steam engine in Mount Pleasant