Flint corn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flint corn |
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Flint corn is named for its hard kernels, which come in a multitude of colors
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| Species | Zea mays |
| Variety | Zea mays var. indurata |
Flint corn (Zea mays var. indurata) is a special kind of corn. It's also known as Indian corn or sometimes calico corn. Its name comes from how hard its kernels are. They are as tough as the rock called flint! This hard outer layer protects the soft inside of each kernel.
Flint corn is one of the six main types of corn. The others include dent corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn.
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The History of Flint Corn
Flint corn is different from dent corn. Dent corn has a small dent in each kernel. Flint corn kernels are smooth and hard.
Native Americans grew flint corn a long time ago. They grew it in places like New England. Tribes such as the Pawnee on the Great Plains also used it.
Experts who study old things (called archaeologists) found corn grown in what is now the United States. This was happening over 3,000 years ago! Corn first came from Mexico. Native peoples there started growing it about 9,000 years ago. They carefully chose the best plants to grow new corn. This turned a wild grass called teosinte into the corn we know today.
Special Features of Flint Corn
Flint corn has very little water inside its kernels. This makes it strong against cold weather. It can even survive freezing temperatures better than other plants.
For example, in 1816, New England had a very cold summer. It was called the "Year Without a Summer". Flint corn was the only crop in Vermont that survived!
What Colors Are Flint Corn Kernels?
Flint corn often has many different colors. This is unlike the white and yellow dent corns. Most flint corn is multi-colored. Each kernel can have a yellow color. This comes from a pigment called zeaxanthin.
Some types of flint corn have special colors. These include Blue corn and Purple corn.
How Flint Corn Is Used
Popcorn is actually a type of flint corn! It has a hard, clear kernel. When heated, the small amount of water inside turns to steam. This makes the kernel explode and pop.
Flint corn is also used to make hominy. Hominy is a food that has been important in the Americas for a very long time. People have eaten it since before pre-Columbian times.
In the United States, flint corn with many colors is often used for decorations. You might see it as part of Thanksgiving decorations. People sometimes call it "ornamental corn" or "Indian corn". Even though it's colorful, these varieties can still be popped and eaten as popcorn. Some people think colored corn isn't good to eat, but that's not true!
