How Many Categories of Maize Are in Existence Today?
Maize, also known as corn, is a crop that has been cultivated and bred by humans for thousands of years, resulting in a wide range of maize varieties or cultivars with different characteristics. The number of categories of maize can vary depending on the classification system used, but here are some common categories:
Dent Corn: Also known as field corn, dent corn is the most widely grown type of maize and is primarily used for animal feed, as well as for industrial purposes such as corn syrup and cornstarch. Dent corn gets its name from the characteristic indentation or “dent” that forms at the top of each kernel as it dries.
Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is a type of maize that is harvested and consumed when the kernels are still in the immature, sweet stage. It is typically used for human consumption and is commonly available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets as fresh corn on the cob or canned corn.
Flint Corn: Flint corn, also known as Indian corn or decorative corn, is a type of maize with hard, colored kernels that are used primarily for ornamental purposes, such as fall decorations or crafts. Flint corn is not typically used for human or animal consumption due to its hard and starchy kernels.
Popcorn: Popcorn is a type of maize that has a hard, moisture-resistant hull and a high starch content. When heated, the moisture inside the kernel turns to steam, causing the kernel to explode and puff up, resulting in the characteristic “popcorn” we know and enjoy as a snack.
Flour Corn: Flour corn, also known as soft corn or pod corn, is a type of maize with soft, starchy kernels that are used for milling into flour or cornmeal. Flour corn is typically used for making corn tortillas, cornbread, and other corn-based food products.
Waxy Corn: Waxy corn is a type of maize with a high amylopectin content, which gives it a waxy appearance and texture. Waxy corn is primarily used for industrial purposes, such as in the production of starch-based products or as a source of biofuel.
Specialty Corn: There are many specialty corn varieties or cultivars that are grown for specific purposes, such as high-oil corn, high-protein corn, and colored corn with different hues of kernels, among others. These specialty corn varieties may be used for specific food or industrial applications.
It’s important to note that maize cultivars can also be classified based on other characteristics such as color, maturity, genetic traits, and geographical origin, among others. The categorization of maize can vary depending on the classification system used and the purpose for which the maize is grown or used.