9: Maize (corn)

Maize is another plant grown for its grain. Maize is more commonly known as corn. Sometimes we use corn as a grain, and sometimes it is used as a vegetable. Corn is one of the sweetest tasting grains, and certainly is a sweet tasting vegetable. Australians know corn as being yellow in colour, but it can also be blue, red, white or purple.

Corn plants can vary in height anywhere from 60 cm to 300 cm. We do not grow very much corn in Australia, however, the USA grows almost half of the corn used in the world. It is thought that corn is native to the USA, where it was once a staple food before the use of flour became so widespread. Corn remains an important staple food in parts of Africa. To grow well, corn needs good quality soil, flat land and an adequate water supply.

A lot of corn that is grown is fed to animals. Humans eat corn as a vegetable, eating it whole, on the cob, or cut from the cob as single pieces that can be frozen or canned. When it is processed as a cereal grain, it can be made into corn meal. Corn meal is used to make polenta, which is like a porridge that is quite firm when it sets. When set, it is used like bread and has a gritty texture. This is popular in Italy.

Corn meal is also made into flat pancakes called tortillas which are common in Mexico and other parts of Central America. When tortillas are deep fried, they become taco shells and corn chips, depending on their size and shape.

Corn can also be made into corn flour, which is an excellent thickener for cooking sauces and custards. It is used to make breakfast cereals like cornflakes, muesli bars and popcorn. Corn is an excellent source of carbohydrate and a good source of Vitamin A when it is yellow in colour. It also contains vitamin E and is very high in fibre.