16 Surprising Facts About Corn: The Versatile Crop That Shaped History
Corn, or maize, is more than just a side dish; it’s a staple food that has shaped cultures, fueled economies, and even inspired music on social media platforms like TikTok.
Loved worldwide for its versatility and nutritional value, corn is rich in carbohydrates, antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber.
However, there is a lot more to corn than meets the eye. Here are 14 surprising facts about corn that most people don’t know:
1. Corn Sweat Can Increase Humidity Levels by Up to 30%
Corn plants release water through a process called transpiration, often referred to as “corn sweat.”
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In large cornfields, this transpiration can significantly increase humidity levels—sometimes by as much as 30%.
An acre of corn can release up to 3,000 gallons of moisture per day, making heat waves feel even more stifling and uncomfortable.
This phenomenon is especially noticeable in the Corn Belt of the United States during the summer months.
2. A Single Corn Plant Requires 21 Gallons of Water to Grow
Growing corn is water-intensive. Each corn plant needs at least 21 gallons of water to reach maturity.
For context, this translates to about 2,300 gallons of water for every bushel of corn harvested. Given that corn also loses a lot of water through transpiration, it’s crucial to water it regularly to ensure optimal growth.
3. Corn Was Used as a Substitute for Coal During the Great Depression
During the Great Depression, when the prices of most basic commodities skyrocketed, corn remained relatively affordable.
In fact, it was so cheap that many families used it as a substitute for coal to heat their homes. At the time, a bushel of corn cost only 8 to 10 cents, making it an economical alternative to burning coal in stoves and furnaces.
This practice has resurfaced in various forms whenever corn prices drop significantly.
4. There are Thousands of Corn Varieties
While most people are familiar with common types like sweet corn, popcorn, and flint corn, there are thousands of varieties worldwide.
Mexico’s International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center alone houses about 28,000 unique corn accessions.
Seed banks globally store even more, preserving genetic diversity for future breeding and research.
5. Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Contains 80% Corn
The iconic Jack Daniel’s whiskey recipe relies heavily on corn, comprising 80% of its grain mix, alongside 12% barley and 8% rye.
The distillery insists on using only high-quality, No. 1 corn to maintain its unique flavor profile. This significant corn content classifies it as a bourbon under U.S. standards.
6. Popcorn Has Been Enjoyed Since the 16th Century
Popcorn may seem like a modern snack, but its origins trace back to the 16th century. The Aztecs cherished popcorn, not only as food but also in ceremonial dances and rituals.
They prepared it by tossing corn kernels onto hot coals or sand—long before the advent of microwaves.
7. Corn is a Man-Made Crop
Unlike many other staple crops, corn is not a naturally occurring plant but was developed by humans through selective breeding.
Ancient communities in central Mexico created the first corn plants from a wild grass called teosinte.
As such, corn does not grow in the wild, and if humans stopped cultivating it, corn would eventually disappear.
8. Corn Kernels are Partially Indigestible
Corn kernels often appear whole in human stool because they are partially indigestible. This is due to the cellulose in the outer hull of each kernel, which the human digestive system cannot break down.
However, the inner part of the kernel is absorbed, making corn a nutritious, albeit partially indigestible, food.
9. Corn Silk Has Medicinal Uses
Corn silk, the long thread-like structures at the top of corn ears, has been used in traditional medicine, especially in China, to treat urinary tract infections like cystitis.
It was believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, so modern treatments like antibiotics are recommended.
10. European Colonizers Feared Corn Would “Turn Them Into Indians”
When European colonizers arrived in the Americas, they considered corn an “inferior” food compared to wheat.
Some Spaniards feared that consuming corn would “turn them into Indians,” reflecting both cultural prejudice and the challenges of adapting to New World crops.
11. Corncobs Were Once Used as Toilet Paper
Before the invention of modern toilet paper, rural communities in America often used corncobs for sanitation.
Corncobs were readily available, surprisingly effective, and softer compared to other materials like shells.
12. Corn is Both a Fruit, Vegetable, and Grain
Corn is uniquely classified as a fruit, vegetable, and grain. The kernels are the seeds of the corn plant, making them grains.
However, when harvested young, the tender kernels are also considered a vegetable. Corn belongs to the Poaceae family, encompassing both cereal grains and grasses.
13. Corn is Also Used to Produce Biofuel
Corn is not only a food staple but also a key source of renewable energy. It can be processed into ethanol, a domestically produced alternative fuel that helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Many ethanol plants are located near corn farms to optimize production efficiency.
14. Corn Has a Variety of Names and Uses Around the World
Known as “corn” in North America and “maize” in other parts of the world, this versatile crop goes by many names and is prepared in countless ways.
In Kenya, corn is ground into flour to make “ugali,” a staple dish. In Malawi, it’s called “nshima,” while in South Africa, it’s known as “pap.” The diversity of corn-based dishes underscores its global significance.
15. Corn Can Be Popped in Space
Astronauts have experimented with popping corn kernels in microgravity environments.
The absence of gravity affects the way the kernels pop and expand, providing both a fun and challenging activity for space travelers.
16. Corn is in Thousands of Everyday Products
Beyond food and fuel, corn is used in a myriad of products, from toothpaste and cosmetics to paper and plastics.
This multifunctionality is due to its versatility and renewability as a resource.
