Corn

From humble beginnings, a tiny kernel of corn (Zea mays) has grown to become a global staple, feeding billions and shaping cultures. But how did this seemingly simple grass achieve such monumental status? Its story starts in southwest Mexico, where its wild ancestor, teosinte, was domesticated by Indigenous farmers around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. Ancient agriculturists painstakingly transformed teosinte's small seeds into the plump cobs we know today through selective breeding. This remarkable plant then spread across the Americas, becoming central to Indigenous civilizations. Introduced to the rest of the world after Christopher Columbus's arrival, corn rapidly journeyed across continents during the Columbian Exchange. This versatile grain is not just food; it's a testament to human innovation and a cornerstone of civilization. 

Some Fun Facts!!

• Tall Stalks: While average corn plants are 7-10 feet tall, the world record for the tallest corn stalk is over 48 feet!

• CO2 Absorption: One acre of corn can eliminate approximately 8 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a powerful contributor to carbon sequestration.

• Bushel Power: A single bushel of corn (weighing 56 pounds) can sweeten about 400 cans of soda!