The vegetable I chose is Corn; the scientific name for corn is Zea mays, in Spanish it is
known as Maize. Not all corn are the same in can be found in different colors and varieties.
Yellow and white are the most common colors but there is also blue, pink, black, red and purple.
The taste of corn is really sweet, it tastes best when you put butter and cheese. Corn is one of the
most popular vegetable in the United States. According to some scientist corn originally came
from Mexico nearly 8,000 years ago. Throughout the years corn was introduced to Central and
South America cultures and also to Native American tribes which is the United States. ‘ But just
as scientists have helped maize to improve and diversify, so maize has helped science to progress
and develop. As an object of study and a subject of experimentation, maize grows at the center of
some of the century’s great scientific breakthroughs.’ (Werner, 2000).
To be able to grow corn, you must first plant a seed, a stem arises it will grow from 2 to 20
feet long. A plant will start growing, flowers organ begin to develop and then grain kernel. For
the plant to be able to produce corn it needs abundant moisture and warm weather for best
development. When corn is in the process of growing it grows in ears it is also covered in rows
of kernels, it is protected by the corn silk. In the United States, there is three different type of
corn that is grown. Popcorn, sweet corn and field or grain which is the highest one to be grown.
More than ten percent of grain grown in the United Sates is exported as corn products or grain.
And about seventy five percent in the United States is fed to livestock. Annually fifty five to
sixty million acres is harvest for grain production. Corn is planted in spring in the beginning of
April and ends in June and is harvest in October and is finished by November. Some of the crops
are used to make syrup, corn oil, grits, corn flakes, starch and tortilla. Corn can be cooked in
different ways it can be steamed, boiled or roasted.
In most markets corn is available all year around, when you are purchasing corn make sure to
select the corn that is covered with ears and is fresh and free of discoloration to avoid microbial
contamination. You can purchase corn either fresh or frozen, it is better to eat the corn when is
freshly picked because when it is frozen some of nutrients begin to decrease. Once you pick your
corn, store it inside a plastic container or bag, corn on the cob can last up to a year. Kernels can
be frozen for up to three months and corn on the cob can be frozen for up to a year. ‘Corn is a
good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, pantothenic acid (B5) and manganese, while relatively
low in calories at 125 per cup of sweet corn at least until you start slathering it with butter.’
(Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 2013).
If you eat tortilla it is good because it has low sodium, it is low in calories and it provides fiber
and calcium in less than sixty calories per serving. ‘Corn foods have often been accused of being
caloric but a low protein quality provider. Plant providers have developed genotypes with high
lysine and tryptophan, substances that have improved the protein quality and nutritional value of
corn’ ( Latino Readers, 2014). One cup of corn contains fiber which lowers the risk of colon
cancer. Fiber is not the only thing making corn good for you it also has foliate. Foliate helps
lower risk of heart attacks and homocysteine levels which it can damage your blood vessels. The
minerals corn contains are Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Calcium.
Corn is rich in phytochemicals helps it protects against chronic diseases and prevents anemia.
The oil from corn also helps control cholesterol levels and prevents cardiovascular disease. Just
remember every time you’re eating corn it is helping your body and health by providing minerals
and vitamin. You can cook and create so many dishes with corn like tamales, corn dogs,
popcorn, and tortillas.
...(download the rest of the essay above)