Corn is a common cereal grain that is grown in many parts of the world. It is a staple food in many cultures and has been used for centuries as both a food and as a source of fuel. Corn is also known as maize, which is its scientific name. The word “corn” comes from the Old English word for “kernel”.
There are two main types of corn: field corn and sweet corn. Field corn is used to make animal feed, ethanol, and other industrial products, while sweet corn is typically eaten as a vegetable. Both types of corn are members of the grass family Poaceae.
Corn was first domesticated by Native Americans over 10,000 years ago in Mexico. It then spread to other parts of North and South America, where it became an important part of the diet of many indigenous peoples. Corn was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and it quickly became a staple crop in many countries there as well. Today, China is the world’s leading producer of corn, followed by the United States and Brazil.
There are many different varieties of corn, which can be divided into six main categories: dent or flint corn, pod or popcorncorn, floury or starchy corn ,sweetcorn ,waxy or starchless corn ,and ornamental corns . Dent and flint corns are the most common type grown worldwide ,while floury corns are preferred in Europe . Sweetcornis mostly eaten as a vegetable ,while waxy corns are used mainly for making starch .Ornamental corns are not grown for food but rather for their decorative value .
The kernels of all types of corn consist primarily of carbohydrates ,with smaller amounts fat ,protein ,vitamins ,and minerals .