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
Read also: The best varieties of zucchini and zucchini 2022 for open ground

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.

Contraindications and harm

To avoid unpleasant consequences, take into account the following contraindications of corn:

excessive blood clotting, causing a predisposition to the formation of blood clots;
peptic ulcer.

Although corn allergies are rare, it is necessary to monitor the body's reaction to this grain, especially in children.

If you use medicinal products based on stigmas, then take into account that the harm of corn can manifest itself in the following situations:

poor appetite;
iron deficiency;
varicose veins;
hypotension;
thrombophlebitis;
individual intolerance.

Eating corn at night causes undesirable consequences such as flatulence and weight gain. If boiled or canned grains are prepared for dinner, then wait at least 2.5 hours before going to bed.

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.

Effect on the body

The positive effect of the corn fruit on the body will not be long in coming if you consume the cereal regularly. The microelements contained in it help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, due to which the cardiovascular system returns to normal.

B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, providing an anti-stress effect on the body. Eating corn promotes restful and sound sleep, quickly overcoming emotional overload and depression.

Vitamin E in the “Queen of the Fields” helps maintain youthful skin. Corn is also useful for digestion, as it normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the body of toxins, and destroys substances that cause intoxication. Maize contains carotenoids that support eye health and increase visual acuity.

Sunflower has a positive effect on the reproductive system of the female body, normalizes the menstrual cycle, and reduces the negative manifestations of menopause. Corn is also beneficial for men. Porridge made from golden grains helps restore potency.

Corn has a positive effect on the human body not only when eaten. Various rejuvenating and nourishing masks for the skin of the face, body and hair are made from the grain. Corn helps cleanse the skin of acne and age spots.

However, it should be remembered that in some cases, maize can cause harm to the body. Although corn is considered a safe product, sometimes people are allergic to substances contained in the cereal crop. Corn is also contraindicated for those who suffer from stomach ulcers, duodenal diseases or thrombophlebitis.

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.

Varieties and hybrids of sweet corn

The hybrid population is aromatic. Early maturing population. The plant is medium-sized. The ears are medium-sized, slightly cone-shaped, 16-18 cm long, with 12-14 rows of grains. The grain is yellow, the consistency is sugar. The weight of a conditioned cob is 137-159 g. The yield of cobs without wrapper is 7.7 tons per 1 ha, for conditioned ears - 7.2 tons per 1 ha. The taste of boiled corn is good. Cultivated in Ukraine.

Willow. Mid-early variety. The plant is tall. The ears are large, cylindrical, 22 cm long, with 16-18 rows of grains. The grain is yellow, the consistency is sugar. The weight of a conditioned cob is 211-346 g. The yield of cobs without a wrapper is 13-16.1 tons, of conditioned ears - 10.4-12.3 tons per 1 ha. The taste of the grain when cooked is good. The variety is suitable for freezing, storage and canning. Plants are weakly affected by fusarium. Cultivated in the northern zone of Ukraine and adjacent areas.

Octave. Late ripening variety. The plant is tall. The cobs are cylindrical, 20 cm long, have 14-16 rows of grains. The grain is yellow, the consistency is sugar. The weight of a conditioned cob is 224-327 g. The yield without wrapper is 14.3 tons, of conditioned cobs - 12.6 tons per 1 ha. The taste of the grain when cooked is good. The variety is suitable for canning and mechanized harvesting. Grown in the North Caucasus.

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.

Kinds

In Soviet times, corn was called the “queen of fields.” The seeds are widely used in the food, medical and perfume industries. The merit of the breeders is that in a short period of time, using scientific developments, a barren plant species was turned into a productive crop, allowing for a bountiful harvest of golden seeds. Botanists have described 8 species of this plant, but the different species found in the wild have not yet been studied.

Etymology

Corn seeds belong to the crop and subspecies of cereal plants. In its homeland it is called maize; this word comes from one of the Indian dialects of the language of the ancient inhabitants of the island of Haiti. But this name varies depending on the dialects in different areas of South America, Mexico and the USA.

In Europe, the old Indian name for cereals has been preserved. The word “corn” is feminine; this name came to Russia from Hungary. Here it appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. It is believed that the name came from the southern regions. Ukrainians attribute the authorship of the name to themselves. There are many assumptions, but there is no exact answer.

The Bulgarian language has the word “kukuryak”, the Slovenians call it kukurjast, which means “curly”, probably because of the curls of the stigma. According to research, the family name “corn” comes from the Turkish kokoroz, meaning “corn stalk.” Maize was brought to the continent by the Spaniards, but according to scientists, the Turkish definition of cereals came precisely from the South Slavic language and dialects.

Some scientists argue that the name of the culture comes from a phrase used to call domestic animals when feeding birds with corn seeds. Translated from Romanian, the word “maize” is translated as “fir cone”. It is not so important how the word appeared and what language it belongs to, what is more important is how popular corn is among the population of the world.

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.

What are the benefits of corn for the human body?

Considering the composition, rich in compounds important for the body, the following medicinal properties of corn are noted:

choleretic;
tonic;
immunomodulatory;
diuretics.

The beneficial properties of corn appear in various directions:

strengthening cell membranes;
decrease in cholesterol concentration;
intensification of metabolic processes;
stabilization of nervous system functions;
reducing sugar levels;
normalization of gastric activity;
improved vision;
prevention of cardiovascular pathologies, atherosclerosis;
increasing immunity;
elimination of insomnia;
strengthening bones, teeth, nail plates, hair;
normalization of the functioning of the thyroid gland;
improvement of skin condition.

The usefulness of corn is manifested when the columns with stigmas of this plant are used for medicinal purposes. They are used for hepatitis, urolithiasis, cholecystitis, prostatitis, gallstone pathology, cholangitis.

Corn oil is obtained from the germ. In this form, the benefit of corn for the body is the prevention of diabetes and atherosclerosis.

How it will help women

The benefits of corn for women are expressed during painful or excessively heavy periods:

1 tbsp. l. crushed corn silks in an earthenware mug, pour a glass of slightly cooled boiling water.
After 20 minutes, the infusion is filtered.
Drink 20 ml. 5-6 times a day.

This remedy also has a beneficial effect on uterine bleeding and the development of inflammation in the genital area.

Corn is recommended during pregnancy to relieve swelling. To prepare a healing decoction:

Mix corn silk with lingonberry leaves in a 1:2 ratio.
Place 3 tsp in an enamel bowl. crushed mixture.
Pour 1 liter. boiled water.
Continue to simmer for 10 minutes in a water bath.

The cooled broth after filtering is taken in 300 ml. during the day. The course lasts a maximum of 7 days.

Corn, rich in vitamins, amino acids, and mineral elements, is beneficial during breastfeeding. It is recommended to start using the product in small portions when the baby is two months old. It is important to control the reaction of the child’s body.

Benefits for men

Beneficial corn is used for men for many pathological abnormalities. With regular use, there is a beneficial effect on the prostate gland and the functioning of the urinary system improves.

For prostatitis, infuse 50 grams. ground corn silks in 200 ml. boiled water. After cooling, the infusion is filtered. Take 150 ml. recommended before meals three times a day. The treatment course should not exceed 14 days.

For pathologies of the prostate gland, 100 g is placed in a glass vessel. corn silk. Add 500 ml. vodka. Keep the hermetically sealed container without lighting for 10 days. Decanted tincture 20 ml. Take twice a day.

For children

Corn is recommended for children in the form of porridge, provided there is no intolerance to this grain, starting from 7 months. Boiled young cobs and grains are introduced into a child’s diet from the age of 2 years.

As an adjuvant for childhood enuresis caused by inflammatory processes in the urinary system, after the doctor's permission, a decoction of corn silk is used. The drink is usually allowed from the age of three.

How to cook:

1 tbsp. l. place the raw materials in an enamel saucepan with a glass of boiling water.
Simmer in a water bath for 10 minutes.
Leave under a terry towel for half an hour.

For a child, filtered decoction, 50 ml. give in the morning and evening. It is important that the last dose is approximately 4 hours before putting the baby to bed.

Preparations for the winter

Healthy and tasty corn is prepared for the winter at home in various varieties.

Pickling

Pickled corn has a spicy taste. Both young milk cobs and ripened grains are used.

Marinating cobs

Ingredients:

corn cobs - 25-30 pieces;
table vinegar (9%) - 2 tbsp. l;
bay leaf (put one for each half-liter jar);
peppercorns - 3 pcs. on the jar;
medium salt - 2 tbsp. l. per liter of marinade;
granulated sugar - 2 tbsp. l. (per liter of marinade).

Preparation:

Corn cobs are cleaned of surface leaves and hairs are removed.
Transfer the raw materials into an enamel pan.
Completely fill the cobs with water and place on the stove.
Cook after the start of boiling for 4-5 minutes.
Immediately place in a colander.
To cool, keep the cobs under running cold water for 2-3 minutes.
Place the cooled cobs on a thick linen napkin to remove excess water.
Place vertically in sterile jars.
A liter of water is poured into an enamel bowl.
After boiling, add sugar and salt and cook for 3 minutes.
Add bay leaves and peppercorns to the cobs in jars, pour in vinegar and immediately fill the containers with hot marinade.
Sterilize the workpieces in a pan of water at medium boil for about an hour.
They're rolling up.
Place upside down on a thick towel and cover with a warm blanket.

Marinating grains

Ingredients:

16-18 cobs with ripened grains;
medium salt - 1 tbsp. l. (calculated for 1 liter of marinade);
table vinegar (9%) - 40 ml;
granulated sugar - 2 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

Fresh corn cobs are freed from leaves and washed thoroughly.
Place in a large enamel pan.
Fill completely with hot water.
At high temperature after boiling, blanch the raw material for 3-4 minutes.
Immediately transfer to a colander and cool under running cold water.
Dry the cobs to remove excess moisture on a thick cloth.
Carefully remove the grains with a knife.
Place them in small sterile jars, filling 2/3 of the volume.
Pour in boiling water and cover with tin lids for 15 minutes.
The water from the cans is poured into a saucepan, brought to a boil and the corn raw material is poured again for 10 minutes. This liquid is drained into the sink.
Pour a liter of water into a separate enamel pan for the marinade.
Add salt, sugar and vinegar.
Pour actively boiling marinade over the raw material and immediately roll it up.
Leave under a warm blanket until cool.

Canning

To obtain a tasty snack during the winter season, they practice canning corn, choosing almost completely ripened cobs.

Ingredients:

corn - 2 kg;
granulated sugar - 12 tbsp. l;
water;
salt - 4 tbsp. l.

Preparation:

The cobs are thoroughly cleaned.
Cut the grains, being careful not to destroy them.
Transfer the raw materials into a large saucepan.
Fill it completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Heat is reduced to a minimum.
Boil the corn for an hour.
The liquid is drained through a sieve into a separate container.
Distribute corn grains into sterile jars. It is more convenient to use containers with a capacity of 0.5 liters. Fill 3/4 full.
Measure out 3 liters of strained broth, which is poured into an enamel pan.
Add sugar and salt.
After stirring, bring to an active boil.
Pour hot brine into the jars and sterilize for 20 minutes.
The blanks are rolled up.
Turn over and keep under a warm blanket until cool.

Biological description

Sweet corn, otherwise known as maize (lat. Zea mays) is a herbaceous annual cultivated plant that belongs to the genus Corn of the Cereals family.

The root system is fibrous, well developed, going 1-1.5 m deep. Aerial roots are formed in the lower part of the stem, which additionally nourish the plant and help prevent lodging.

The stem is erect, knotty, up to 4 m high and up to 7 cm in diameter. The internal cavity is filled with a loose substance, parenchyma. The leaves are large, straight, can reach 1 m in length and up to 10 cm in width. The venation is parallel. The bases of the leaves are tubes that enclose the stem, the so-called sheaths.

The flowers are unisexual, located on the same plant. The female ones are collected in cobs, surrounded by wrappers like leaves. A bunch of long pistils emerge from the top of the involucre, to which the wind carries pollen from the male flowers located in panicles at the top of the stem. This is how fertilization occurs and fruits are formed.

The shape of the fruits (kernels) is unusual for cereals. They are round or cubic. They are arranged in dense rows on the cob. Sizes, shape, color may vary among different varieties.