Maize



Maize, the American Indian word for corn means literally "that which sustains life". It is after wheat and rice, the most important cereal grain in the world; providing nutrients for humans and animals, serving as a basic raw material for the production of starch, oil and protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners and more recently, fuel.

Botanically, maize (Zea mays) belongs to the grass family (Gramineae) and is a tall annual plant with an extensive fibrous root system. It is a cross pollinating species, with the female (ear) and male (tassel) flowers in separate places on the plant. The grain develops in the ears or cobs, often with one on each stalk; each ear has about 300 to 1,000 kernels, weighing between 190 and 300 g/1,000 kernels in a variable number of rows (12 to 16). Weight depends on genetic, environmental and cultural practices. Grain makes up about 42 percent dry weight of the plant. The kernels are often white or yellow in colour, although black, red and a mixture of colours is also found. There are a number of grain types distinguished by differences in the chemical compounds deposited or stored in the kernel. Special crops grown primarily for food include sweet corn and popcorn although dent, starchy or floury and flint maize are also widely used as food. Flint maize is also used as feed. Immature ordinary corn on the cob which could be either boiled or roasted is widely consumed.

Asides containing varying amounts of water, corn is mainly composed of carbohydrates and has small amounts of protein and fat. It is a good source of antioxidant carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Yellow (or colored) corn may promote eye health. It is also a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, moderate consumption of whole-grain corn such as popcorn or sweet corn may well fit into a healthy diet.

At our Farms, you are guaranteed non-genetically modified high quality maize.


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