Corn

Let’s get right to the point: Corn is much more than a backyard barbecue side dish. In fact, there are more than 3,500 different uses for corn products: Chewing gum, peanut butter, vitamins, paint, antibiotics and ethanol fuel are just few examples.

Where Corn Comes From
Scientists believe that a much smaller version of what we know as today’s corn originated some 7,000 years ago from a wild grass called Teosinte -- a plant that still grows today in Mexico. And, as we know, Native Americans had already perfected the skill of cultivating this grass crop by the time Europeans came to the continent. It quickly became a highly traded commodity.

What Makes Corn, Corn
The scientific name for corn is Zea mays, reflecting its traditional name, "maize." It grows in ears that are covered with kernels protected by silky material and a hardened husk. Its nutrients include thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, vitamin C and fiber.

What Corn Begat
Corn is used to produce fuel alcohol, which makes gasoline burn cleaner, reducing air pollution. And it doesn't pollute the water. Corn is also currently used to make biodegradable plastics.

The Surprising Thing About Corn
How’s this for shelf life: Archeologists have been able to pop corn that was 1,000 years old. (Pass the butter and salt … please.)

The Jetsons and Corn Packaging
Since corn can grow on every continent except Antarctica, it’s quite probable that future generations will keep inventing new uses for corn. Biodegradable corn plastics and foams, for example, are already on the market.