Maize

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Maize (Zea mays)

Maize (/meɪz/ MAYZ; Zea mays subsp. mays, from Spanish: maíz after Taino: mahiz), also known as corn (American English), is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.

Etymology

The term "maize" derives from the Spanish form of the indigenous Taíno word for the plant, mahiz. It is known by other names around the world.

Description

Maize is a leafy stalk whose kernels contain seeds. It is considered both a grain and a vegetable, depending on how it's used.

Cultivation and uses

Maize is the most widely grown grain crop throughout the Americas, with 361 million metric tons grown in the United States alone in 2014. Subsistence farmers in Mesoamerica use the husk of the maize plant as a fuel source and to make tortillas, while commercial growers harvest it for a variety of food and non-food uses.

Related terms

  • Cereal: A grass cultivated for its edible components, typically its grain.
  • Grain: A small, hard, dry seed, with or without an attached hull or fruit layer, harvested for human or animal consumption.
  • Husk: The protective outer shell of seeds and fruits.
  • Tortilla: A thin, flat pancake of cornmeal or flour, eaten hot or cold, typically with a savory filling.

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