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Get corny!
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Maize is the source for many an edible dish, including the popular `popcorn'
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ZEA MAYS or corn (`Mukka butta'-Hindi, `musuku jola'-Kannada, `mokka jannalu'-Telugu and `cholam'- Tamil, Malayalam) belonging to family Gramineae is native of America. Maize is also known by the name `Indian Corn', and is very extensively cultivated as a cereal in all provinces of India for its grain and also in the gardens for its cobs, which when green and tender are relished by many. Many greatly improved and superior varieties have been introduced during the past few years.
The sturdy stems bear lance-shaped leaves in two ranks. They produce terminal spike-like male panicles each one with a solitary stem less spikelet or `ear' on the inter nodes.
Axillary female inflorescences consist of numerous spikelets arranged in longitudinal rows on a thickened axis.
The female flowers each with a long silky style are enclosed within a spathe bracket or `husk' and are followed by a `cob' of fleshy kernels.
The maize plant is sun loving and requires long hot growing season with plenty of sunshine. The cultivation of the maize is very simple. It grows well in garden soil, well-enriched sandy loam, friable, and well-drained soil.
The ground should be prepared by digging and levelling prior to sowing. Sow the seeds in a line 2-3 inches apart and press down firmly. They take from 60-65 days to be ready. The fine sweet corn must be picked in just the right condition, that is when they are tender.
Corn is rich in digestible carbohydrates and fats. It is eaten roasted, boiled or curried. And as the popular popcorns.
Moisture stored in the kernels of corn is converted into steam when the corn is heated and it is the pressure of this steam, which causes corns to pop. Corn pops best when the fire is hot enough to make it begin to pop in about one and a half minutes.
Corn starch is also used in foodstuffs and used to starch clothes. Corn oil is used in salads.
Besides cooking it is used in the manufacture of soaps and varnishes. Cobs and stems serve as feed for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry.
CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN
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