Corn: A Key Food & Staple Crop of the Americas

Summer is here! And with this season, there comes plenty of festivals, fairs, outdoor movies, summer camps, vacations, and of course, lots of food.

However, one staple of American diets often enjoyed during this time of year has a rich and fascinating story that belies its humble appearance. Corn.

It doesn't matter if you love diving into a butter-rich box of popcorn at the movie theater or chowing down on a corn dog at the state fair, corn is the key star ingredient of these tasty foods. From east to west and north to south, you can find so many foods that have corn as a major ingredient in America.

However, how did corn become such a popular and widespread food in America and beyond?

Origins: Indigenous People of the Americas

The corn plant and its many varieties traces back to thousands of years ago in Mexico.

Many sources point to corn as being a derivative of wild grasses (teosinte or teocintle). The domestication of this new corn crop led to the development of delicious and nutritious breads, mush, and tortillas.

Even the fungi found on corn (corn smut) became a treasured delicacy.

From Mexico, the domestication and cultivation of many varieties of corn plants spread throughout North and South America. 

Unlike modern-day western farming practices, indigenous nations had a profound relationship with the corn plant and other agricultural crops. Indigenous nations understood the importance of protecting the longevity and sovereignty of their food.

Corn was not grown alone, but grew up alongside squash, bean, and other beneficial “sister plants” or companion crops.

As corn made its arrival to the southwestern United States and the Pueblo people, moving eastward, this incredible plant became a staple crop for Cherokee, Iroquois, and the Creek people. Corn was becoming an established dietary force.

When Europeans came in search of gold and spices, they ended up taking back their newfound discovery of corn back with them to Europe upon their return. It wouldn’t be long before corn reached Asia and continue to spread across the world.

Corn Mythology and Creation Myths

Thanks to the generosity of indigenous peoples and their gift of corn to the world, we also have to revel in the many mysterious and fascinating myths and legends surrounding the corn plant. 

The corn plant become personified as one of the Three Sisters for the Iroquois nation. Corn was not only a source of physical sustenance but has spiritual properties as well.

Another curious story revolving around corn is the archetype of the Corn Mother. Varying tales speak of an older woman that generates corn from her body to feed hungry people.

For other peoples, the corn plant comes because of a gorgeous young woman feeding a hungry husband through her spiritual powers and knowledge.

Above all, the corn plant is a symbol of the awesome power of agricultural sciences. Many stories stress the utmost importance of protecting and preserving Mother Earth and foods for sustenance. Corn is connected to deities, mysterious and supernatural phenomenon, creation stories, and significant gatherings.

Oral traditions and storytelling are a powerful way for elders to transmit knowledge to the following generations and keep the spirit of the corn plant and its teachings alive.

Corn Sustains Plates

It’s no surprise why people put a lot of effort into cultivating corn. The corn plant is tasty, comes in a variety of colors, and contains multiple minerals, vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Because corn also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, these properties may help promote healthy eyes.

People enjoy eating corn grilled, boiled, roasted, steamed, sauteed, and in baked dishes. Sweet corn, popcorn, corn chips, tortillas, and corn bread are only a handful of available recipes.

Thanks to indigenous nations, there are also wonderful corn-based creations such as blue corn stuffing, corn patties, and fried corn.

In a nod to the Three Sisters myth, consider making a pot of Three Sisters Soup. 

Corn Is Life

According to Mayan creation myths, the first human beings were created from corn or maize. Using white, yellow, red, and black corn, the human body eventually came into existence.

There were many rituals connected to satisfying the Maize Deity, petitions for a good corn crop, and other life-sustaining practices.

At first glance, the humble, ubiquitous corn crop may seem like it is just another grain on our plates. However, the colorful history of this delicious plant could use a revival.

You don’t have to wait for the return of autumn and harvest season to explore the history and myths surrounding corn. There are so many wonderful stories related to the corn plant and how it is more than just a source of food. 

Corn is part of many creation myths, provides nutrition and energy, and is very much part of the American and human story.

Corn: Ready To Eat Recipes

If this wasn’t enough, don’t skip out on trying some different corn-centered recipes!

Types of Corn-based Foods

• Cornbread
• Corn dogs
• Hush puppies
• Hot water cornbread
• Hoe cakes
• Cornmeal mush
• Elote
• Tortillas
• Tamales
• Corn smut
• Corn masa for tamales, pupusas, etc.
• Popcorn
• Corn soup
• Fried corn

Forgive me, as I won’t spend time exploring in-depth all of the different corn recipes and foods that I listed above. Honestly, each type of food could easily be a post onto itself, which I might dive into at a later point in time.

However, let me digress as I want to mention a few personal anecdotes about corn.

I was never the biggest fan, but I have to admit it was worth taking a trip to Arizona to the candy factory in a nod to that episode where Lucy and Ethel (I Love Lucy) have a tough time keeping up with a conveyer belt. Beyond the chocolate confections there was also plenty of giant popcorn balls ready for guests to purchase.

I have many fond memories eating different types of corn breads and muffins at a variety of homes and social functions, making popcorn in a pot on the stovetop, and there’s nothing like corn on a stick at a fair.

Heck, plenty of foods taste so much better when they are on a stick!

And before you kick the bucket, you have to try pupusas, tamales, and elote at least once in your life!

With Respect To Corn

To keep things short and sweet, I have a few closing notes.

Corn is probably one of the most versatile food crops available. Beyond the many delicious recipes, snacks, and other corn-based dishes we take for granted, this food crop has a deep and colorful history that stretches across many lands.

We rely on corn for biofuel, animal feed, textile fiber, and a host of other amazing things. The next time you pass by a corn field, enjoy a bag or bowl of popcorn, or get ready to sit down to something delicious with either corn muffins or tortillas, give thanks.

The corn plant has continued to be a part of human history, lore, and provided nutritional sustenance for thousands of years, and is still going strong. 

If we wish to continue as a species, we must continue to protect, cherish, and honor our relationship to the plant world, with respect to those powers in life that are larger than ourselves and our believed demonstrations of true power.

True power lies in being of service to others, protecting the interest of future generations, and having respect and humility for the needs of sustaining life.