HERBAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS – 39. Zea mays (Maize)

Maize (MAYZ from Spanish: maíz after Taíno mahiz) known in many English speaking countries as corn is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain maize kernels are used in cooking as a starch. Maize spread to the rest of the world because of its ability to grow in diverse climates. Sugar-rich varieties called sweet corn are usually grown for human consumption while field corn varieties are used for animal feed and as chemical feedstocks.