What is corn

Everyone knows corn. Whether fresh or canned, it is in demand in any form. And we love corn sticks and popcorn from early childhood. Accustomed to cobs with golden grains, many are not even aware of the variety of varieties of this crop. Not to mention where it came from and how long ago. Let's figure out what corn is, what family of plants it belongs to, and where it came from?

Corn is undoubtedly the most important grain crop in Russia. But it is not entirely clear what type of fruit it is: is it a vegetable or a fruit, or maybe a vegetable or a grain? Perhaps it even refers to legumes, or not?

Common corn "Golden Bantam"
Maize, Cob, Kitka, Turkish millet - all these are the names of your favorite corn
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To understand these issues, let's turn to the encyclopedia. So, sweet corn is a herbaceous plant with an annual growing season and belongs to the Poaceae family. In all other languages, our common corn is called maize (Zéa máys, lat.). There are several other names for the cereal: kitka, Turkish millet, cob. Also one of the names of sweet corn is papusha.

Gifts of the New World: The History of Corn

The double name (maize/corn) is explained by the fact that the derivative of mahiz (in the Indian language this was the name for corn itself) took root among European peoples and the American population. The Slavs have several versions of the origin of the word “corn”:

from Slovenian kukúrjav (curly),
Turkish kokoros (cob of corn),
or even from the call sign kukuru, this is how the housewife called her poultry when she fed it with corn kernels.

Interesting fact! Sweet corn is the only cultivated member of the Maize genus that is grown throughout the world.

At the same time, experts divide it into 9 botanical groups based on the morphology and structure of the grains. There are a huge number of varieties of this crop that have a similar bush shape, but differ in the color and taste of the seeds. There are varieties with multi-colored ears. The history of the origin of this plant is also interesting.

Description of appearance

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Before talking about the history of the origin of corn, let's briefly describe its appearance.

This is an annual herbaceous plant with tall – sometimes up to four meters – stems. The root system is very powerful. Its development depends on environmental conditions. If there is enough moisture, the roots are mainly located at a shallow depth. But if the soil is depleted and there is not enough moisture, the corn may well bury its roots by a meter and a half.

The leaves are quite large - long, but narrow. The maximum length reaches one meter, while the width rarely exceeds ten centimeters. The number also varies greatly - from 8 to 42.

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The fruits are cobs - large, tightly wrapped in leaves. On their upper part there is a so-called stigma - several soft matted plant fibers. One cob can consist of a thousand grains, but usually their number is much less. The weight in some cases reaches half a kilogram.

Origin story

The origin of corn goes back to ancient times. During excavations, archaeologists discovered signs of the existence of this plant around 3000 BC. Maize was recognized as a cultivated plant 12 thousand years ago.

Corn fields

The birthplace of corn is Mexico. It was there that they found the first evidence of the existence of this plant and began to actively grow it. The then, one might say, still wild corn was significantly different from the current varieties. The cobs were small, up to 4 cm in length.

This culture gave a powerful impetus to the development of agriculture in America. The ancient Aztecs even had a corn god. It was also enjoyed by other Indian tribes: Olmecs and Mayans. Originating in the south of Mexico, gradually this plant (by the way, corn is not a legume) began to be grown throughout the continent. This is how new types of culture appeared.

When Europeans arrived in America, they paid attention to this amazing, nutritious plant and brought it to Europe.

Literature

Beketov A. N.
Corn, maize // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
Klyuss G. A.
Mais // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
All about medicinal plants in your garden beds / Ed. Radelova S. Yu. - St. Petersburg: SZKEO LLC, 2010. - P. 29-33. — 224 p. — ISBN 978-5-9603-0124-4.
Rumyantseva E. E., Zhogolev D. A.
Chinese cuisine. - M: World of Books, 2000.
Pokhlebkin V.V.
National cuisines of our peoples. - M: Tsentrpoligraf, 1999. - 639 p. — ISBN 5-227-00462-5.
Bukasov S. M.
Cultivated plants of Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. - L.: Institute of Plant Growing VASKhNIL, 1930. - P. 109-150. — 470 s.

Appearance in Europe and Russia

Corn arrived in Europe in 1496 thanks to Christopher Columbus . Farmers quickly appreciated the sun grass, ease of cultivation and wonderful taste. Maize began to be grown in the southern regions of Spain, France, and Portugal. But in northern European countries they could not grow the imported crop, since the heat-loving corn did not have time to ripen. Much later, new, more cold-resistant varieties appeared.

Maize cobs

Corn has not become as popular a grain as rye and wheat, but it occupies an honorable third place in the world in terms of cultivation volumes.

Good to know! The history of corn in Russia begins at the end of the 18th century after another war with Turkey in 1768-1774. Our country received the territory of Crimea as compensation. Just at that time, the Turks were actively growing kokoroza, which translated means “tall plant.” According to one version, the sound, which was not entirely convenient for the Slavs, gradually turned into corn.

Corn grows widely in Russia in the southern regions, the main part in the Stavropol and Krasnodar territories. However, it has not received mass distribution, as in America and Mexico, in our country.

World leaders in cultivation

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, every year more corn is grown in the world than other cereal crops. This is due to the fact that breeders are creating new plant varieties that are not afraid of drought, weeds and diseases, which means that productivity will increase even without increasing the planting area.

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The top ten world leaders in corn cultivation include the following countries:

The United States of America is considered the recognized leader. They supply 35% of the total volume to the international market. According to official data, in 2022 the harvest amounted to 370 million tons.
China ranks second. Thanks to climatic conditions and large sown areas, in 2022 it was possible to grow 257 million tons of grain crops.
In Brazil, more than half of the fields are devoted to corn. The location of the country and the favorable climate allow harvesting twice a year. Taking all circumstances into account, about 82 tons are grown per year.
In the European Union, 10 million hectares are allocated for sowing the plant, which allows harvesting 60.5 tons per year. The largest number of fields are located in Germany and France. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, production volumes will increase.
In Argentina, corn is considered an advanced grain crop that brings the greatest profit to the agricultural sector. In 2022, 43 million tons were collected, and next year an increase of another 6 tons is planned.
Ukraine has the best fertile fields in Europe, and the climatic conditions are suitable for growing crops for one’s own needs and for export. In 2022, 28 tons of crop were harvested, the volumes are planned to increase.
India. The size of the acreage and climate create good conditions for growing grain crops. At the end of last year, the total corn harvest amounted to 27 million tons. However, due to a lack of funding for the industry, the potential of growing the crop was not fully used.
Weather conditions in Mexico do not allow large grain harvests. The government is considering the option of reducing corn plantings and switching to other crops. In 2022, only 27 million tons were collected.
Over the past few years, Canada has significantly increased plantings of the crop and harvested 14.5 million tons in 2022. Canadians plan to further increase planting volumes.
Russia. Small harvests are caused by unfavorable climatic conditions in most parts of the country. Because of this, annual harvest volumes are declining. In 2022, only 11 million tons were grown.

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The role of corn in agriculture

This cereal is grown in huge quantities in the USA, Mexico, China, Brazil, Argentina and many other countries. Maize is very popular all over the world.

Growing corn on an industrial scale

It is not only a valuable grain crop, but also an excellent animal feed. All parts of the plant are used in the production of livestock feed.

Grains are actively used in the food industry; they are used to produce cereals, flour, delicate starch, molasses and even alcohol. Perfectly consumed fresh, boiled, baked, canned.

Did you know? Among cereals in the global agricultural economy, this crop ranks third in terms of cultivation volumes.

Cultivation methods

If corn could reproduce on its own, there might not be a need to cultivate it using different methods. The cereal plant is characterized by biological characteristics that are taken into account when breeding zoned varieties.

Growing maize on a personal plot requires special attention. The heat-loving plant does not tolerate temperature changes. The harvest can be harvested provided that the rules of agricultural technology are followed.

Preparing the site for cereal crops begins in the fall. The productivity of the plant depends on the correct choice of location. The site should be on the south side.

The soil for the crop is enriched with organic fertilizers. When planting a plant, it is important to consider crop rotation. The best predecessors are tomatoes, cabbage, legumes, and potatoes.

To regulate the level of soil acidity, lime is added, and complex preparations are used to stimulate growth.

After planting the crop in a permanent place, weeding and weed removal are required. For normal development, plants are fertilized with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Plants use healthy grains for propagation. The yield and stability of the crop depend on their preparation before planting.

To test the material for germination, the grains are placed in a 5% aqueous solution of kitchen salt for 5 minutes. Seeds that have settled to the bottom are considered suitable for planting.

Plants can be prevented from being damaged by fungal diseases by treating seeds with a solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate. Seeds are planted in the soil after the end of the spring frost period, after the soil has warmed up to +10°C.

Interesting Facts

Multi-colored varieties of corn

Corn contains 26 elements of the chemical periodic table, and does not lose its beneficial properties under any type of processing.
This annual plant can grow up to 7 meters in one cycle - approximately the height of a two-story house.
Despite the fact that the plant has male and female inflorescences, it does not self-pollinate; it is necessary to plant at least two plants side by side.
Among other cereals, it occupies the most area under planting in the world.
This crop will not grow on its own in the wild. A grain that falls into the ground rots before it has time to germinate.
At the moment, more than 1000 varieties have been bred.
The cob always contains an even number of grains.
There are at least 8, but no more than 42 leaves on the bush of this cereal.
Frequent consumption of corn will slow down the aging processes occurring in the body.
The smallest cobs weigh only 30 grams.
You need to cook it without salt and sugar, otherwise it will become tough.
There are varieties with multi-colored grains that are used for decorative purposes.
In Russia, most of the corn grown is used to produce livestock feed.
Not only the cobs themselves, but also the hairs (stigmas), are valuable products in the field of medicine.

Possible harm

Now the reader knows more about the origin of corn. Culture, alas, has not only beneficial properties, but also negative ones, which are very important to know about. Otherwise, you can provoke an exacerbation of some chronic diseases. So corn will only bring harm instead of the expected benefit.

Let's start with the fact that the lion's share of corn grown today is genetically modified. Perhaps its regular consumption does not have any unpleasant consequences, but the issue has not been fully studied. It is no coincidence that many scientists are sounding the alarm about this, blaming GMOs for the sharp increase in the incidence of diseases such as obesity, allergies and others.

But even ordinary corn can cause serious harm to human health. For example, it should not be consumed by people suffering from diseases affecting the duodenum and stomach. Its use leads to bloating, and this negatively affects the patient’s health.

Also, people who have problems with thrombophlebitis and increased blood clotting should avoid using it. Substances that make up corn grains may well affect this process, causing an exacerbation.

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People suffering from excessively low body weight should also refrain from eating corn. It reduces appetite, which is why it is often used in various diets. But at the same time, corn oil should not be consumed by people suffering from obesity - after all, it is quite high in calories and can lead to more rapid weight gain.

Finally, a simple allergy to corn and its components is a contraindication.

Beneficial features

Corn contains many bioactive plant compounds, some of which may have beneficial effects on health.

The main advantage is the presence of dietary fiber. 100 grams of yellow corn contains approximately 7.3 grams. The recommended daily intake is 25-38 grams, i.e. 100 grams can give almost a third.

Fiber has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. Strengthens intestinal motility and prevents constipation. Helps remove toxins and carcinogens from the body.

Corn kernels contain several compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that cause chronic diseases, including cancer. Prevent cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin C boosts immunity and fights infections.

Selenium, vitamin E and beta-carotene protect against free radicals, improve immunity and prolong youth.

Corn is a good source of the phenolic antioxidant ferulic acid. Some studies have shown that this substance plays an important role in preventing:

Cancer;
Premature aging of the body;
Development of inflammation.

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin preserve vision and prevent the risk of developing age-related changes in the retina.

Protein is not very rich in amino acids. Depending on the type, its content ranges from 10 to 15 percent. Mainly present are zeins, a plant protein from the prolamin group. Although the nutritional value of zeins is low, they are used in industry in the production of glue, ink, coatings for tablets, candies, and nuts.

Contains several B vitamins, many of which take part as cofactors in metabolic processes.

Thiamine is necessary for:

Memory enhancement;
Preservation of cognitive functions;
Nervous system health.

Pantothenic acid is involved in energy production. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy.

Phosphorus supports:

Normal height;
Kidney functions;
Bone health.

Magnesium regulates heart rate. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of heart disease. Essential for the nervous system.

Purple corn may be an ally in the fight against diabetes and obesity. As studies by Japanese scientists have shown, the purple color that anthocyanins give to grains increases the activity of the gene that regulates the functions of fat cells.

Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants. Purple Corn Extract: