Corn:
Native to the New. World, corn has long been a staple food in
the Americas-its the only native American cereal grain -originated
in Mexico or Central America, archeological evidence as far back
as 7,000 years ago
Important role in Mayan, Aztec, and Incan cultures-used for religious
ceremonies, as currency, fuel, construction material, jewelry,
food
Columbus brought back reports of it to the Spain, but Hernan
Cortes is credited with actually bringing corn back to Europe;
the Portuguese brought it to Africa in early 16th century
Every part of the plant can be used -the husks for tamales, the
silk for medicinal tea, the kernels for food, and the stalks
for livestock feed.
Also serves as the foundation of many byproducts including bourbon,
corn flour, cornmeal, corn oil, cornstarch, corn syrup, etc.
