Corn history & personality |
I'm not really saying I'm the greatest guy on the block... but you do like me, don't you? **Grin**
Corn is technically a grain, not a vegetable. We'll include it here, though, because in our culture corn is often also consumed as a vegetable.
Corn has been consumed for at least 5000 years, and is native to Central and South America. It provided the Native Americans and early North American settlers with much of their sustenance.
In addition to being a prolific direct human food source, corn is an extremely important feed crop for livestock. |
Corn is healthy! |
Corn is a good source of B vitamins (though it must be consumed with another nutrient such as limestone ash to liberate the B3), Vitamins C and E, folic acid, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is high in fiber and essential fatty acids. Yellow corn is high in the phytonutrient lutin, which protects against macular degeneration and heart disease.
Corn is generally regarded as having neutral energy.
Please see your health provider for guidance on your own health program. |
Fresh corn as food |
There's nothing like fresh corn on the cob! But you can also sliver those niblets off the cob and add to some favorite dishes. For the ultimate flavor experience, cook and consume corn as soon as possible after picking!
In addition, corn is ground for uses such as grits, polenta, corn chips, and corn bread. Most of us, unless we're making a concerted effort to avoid prepared foods, consume quite a bit of corn syrup each day as a sweetener!
Corn — Try this: Put about an inch of water in the bottom of a big pot. Husk corn and add to the pot; bring to a boil and steam for 5 - 7 minutes. When cooked, the corn will have deepened in color. Serve with butter, salt and pepper. Or for a delighful healthy twist, spread on some umeboshi paste instead!
Try this: Slice some cooked corn off the cob & remove pieces of silk. Add to a salad made from diced cooked chicken, rice, cooked garbanzo beans, chopped cucumber, a few raisins, and a little minced onion. Make a dressing from olive oil, lemon juice, a little tahini, and some salt. If you're feeling adventurous, add a little curry powder to the dressing. Toss and enjoy! |
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