Sweet corn in the Pacific…

Corn is not a common crop in the Pacific. Unlike sweet potatoes, taro, breadfruit, and kava it was not part of the 24 canoe plants introduced throughout the Pacific. Hence, the island countries do not have a magnitude of corn recipes. Corn is central to cooking in Central and South America. It is common in Portuguese and Spanish cuisine too.

So, corn is not indigenous to the Pacific region. Thus far, just like coconut sustains island people, corn does the same in other parts of the world.

Corn history

Corn dates back some 7000 years. The belief is that it descends from a species of wild grass in Central America. Thus far, corn, as we know it today, may not exist if it were not for humans. In fact, humans cultivate and develop it into what it is today. Hence, it is a human invention. It is a plant that does not exist naturally in the wild. Thus, corn only survives when humans plant and nurture them.

There is ample evidence of corn farming in America in 1200 BC. However, it took a few more centuries to spread across America. So, the corn taken to Europe by the conquistadors, mainly the Portuguese, spread through many countries quickly. Thus far, few other foods are as native American as corn. In fact, American methods of farming and preservations were so good that they are still in use today.

Human distribution

Corn depends on human distribution because it is not self-sowing. It is rare to find corn growing in the wild. In the early days, it was common to mound corn plants with three fish for fertiliser.  Farmers normally grew squash or pumpkin between the corn plants. The large leaves would shade the ground to help to keep it moist. Corn is grown from seeds known as kernels. The entire cob inside its sheath is known as an ear of corn. It is a near complete food. Nutritionists claim that corn is high in fibre, and vitamins. It contains high levels of antioxidant carotenoids too. So, like carrots, it makes corn a nutritious food source.

Sweet corn

There are five major ranges of corn. They are known as flint, dent, sweet, pop, and flour. So, today, many of these varieties have been botanically bred to retain more sugar. However, it is mostly sweet corn that people love in cooking. Thus, sweet corn is often eaten on the cob. It may be canned or frozen too. Sweet corn gets its name because of its high sugar content. Manufacturers rarely use it to process flour or feed.

Flint corn is also known as Indian corn. It has a harder outer shell and kernels. So, kernels may have a range of colours from white to red. Flint corn is mostly grown in Central and South America.

Dent corn

Dent corn is mostly grown to use as livestock feed. It is probably what your chicken and cows consume today. Thus, it is also known as field corn. It is the main type of corn to make industrial products and various foods too. For example, high fructose corn syrup is made with dent corn. It is a sweetener found in most sugary drinks.

Popcorn is another type of corn. It has a soft and starchy centre. A very hard shell covers it. So, when you heat popcorn, the natural moisture inside the kernel turns to steam and pops. Thus, the exploding kernel is what we know as popcorn blossoms and forms. 

More than eating

Corn is more than just another pretty grain. It is an important food source. Like a coconut palm, there are many uses for corn products. For instance, corn husks make good brooms, baskets, tamales, and dolls. It is often a stuffing to make mattresses too. Thus far, cobs make good fish bobs, fuel, and scrub brushes. They make good insulation and bottle stoppers too.

Corn starch is versatile too. It is a useful ingredient to make paper, cosmetics, medicines, and ink. Other uses are to make plastics, paints, toothpaste, and many more. For example, corn starch helps make binding glue on schoolbooks. So, almost one-third of corn by-products make feed for livestock and pet foods. Most of the chicken feed contains corn. 

Albeit its controversial as an artificial sweetener, many soft drink manufacturers use corn syrup to sweeten beverages.  It makes ethanol fuel for cars too.

Keeping eyes healthy

Sweet corn is good for your eyes. Its high levels of antioxidant carotenoids help maintain healthy eyes. Sweet corn is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are the two phytochemicals that promote healthy vision.

A good test for freshness is to prick the corn kernels. If it squirts whitish milk, it indicates it is fresh, nutritious, and of young age. Thus, a midsize cob offers a generous 3 grams of dietary fibre. It is best to avoid consuming corn with dry and pale husks.

So far, there are many ways to cook corn. You may choose to stir fry, grill, or cook on an open fire. Blending it makes delicious creamy soups. Corn is an excellent cash crop. Thus far, the possibilities for this ancient grain are endless.