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Corn Facts

Corn Facts
Corn is a grain that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is one of the most cultivated plants in the world. Corn can be found on all continents except on the Antarctica. It originates from Mesoamerica where it represents integral part of human diet for thousands of years. Corn was brought to Europe at the end of 15th century. Numerous varieties of corn were created via selective breeding since that time. Corn is mostly used in food industry. Other than that, corn is used as biofuel, in the manufacture of numerous chemical products and fabrics.
Interesting Corn Facts:
Size of a corn depends on the species. Most types of corn grow to the height of 8 feet. Wild species may reach 40 feet in height.
Bamboo-like stem of corn is divided in 20 nodes. 4 feet long leaves grow from each node.
Corn has shallow root system which does not tolerate lack of water and nutrients in the ground.
Male flowers are located on the top of the plant. They release miniature pollen that is easily spread by wind. Female flowers develop between the stem and leaves. They are tightly enveloped with leaves known as husk. Female reproductive organs (stigmas) form well known corn silk.
Each cob of corn consists of usually 600 kernels that are arranged in 16 rows.
Color of the kernels depends on the variety of corn. They can be yellow, green, red, bluish, blackish…
Besides selective breeding, new varieties of corn are produced via genetic engineering. Scientists can alter color and the size of kernels, improve nutritional value and develop varieties that are resistant to pests, herbicides and drought.
Corn is staple food in most countries in the world. Corn is rich source of sugar, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Corn is mostly used in the form of kernels or flour. Popcorns and tortillas are just few of numerous dishes made of corn. Nearly all baked products, beverages, snacks and canned goods contain corn in the form of corn syrup or corn starch.
Corn is very important part of the livestock food. Unlike the corn that is used in human diet, special types of corn are used for the preparation of animal food.
Corn is used for the production of ethanol that is used as bio-fuel. Ethanol does not induce pollution of the air like conventional fuels.
Compounds extracted from corn are used in the production of plastics, rubber, solvents and fabrics.
North America is the biggest producer of the corn in the world. 40% of the globally consumed corn originates from North America.
One acre of corn eliminates 8 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. Because of that, corn is one of the most important plants when it comes to the cleaning of the air.
Corn is annual plant which means that it completes its life cycle in one year.


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