Thoughts on Corn

The next time you are at the movies and munching on some popcorn, or the next time you find yourself chowing down on some corn on the cob at a family picnic or barbecue stop for a moment to reflect on this wonderful and versatile food product. Corn as we know it today, even though mass produced, is still very much owing to the Native Americans of North America for its initial development and cultivation.

Since corn in its current form cannot reproduce without human aid, its origin as a human cultivated crop is clear as is corn’s continuing value as both a grain and staple crop. In addition to being a major food source for both humans and as animal feed, corn is also being increasingly grown with alternative energy needs in mind. In the form of ethanol, American industry is utilizing the country’s corn crop and cutting down our dependency on foreign oil at the same time.

Further still, by creating a new industry, ethanol production creates new jobs and the possibility of international exports – both of which are developments that will no doubt help to stimulate the economy in Middle America as well as the nation as a whole.

So, the next time you are eating some corn with your favorite turkey or chicken preparation, don’t forget that this amazing food product was almost certainly grown and raised her in the United States and that in every bite is a little taste of history and Americana.