Maíz, no solo una lata de maíz
En Europa, el maíz sirvió durante mucho tiempo sobre todo como alimento para el ganado, hasta que llegó a las latas y a los mercados.
To check the freshness of an ear of corn still in its husk, carefully open it: the kernels should be smooth and plump. If they are very yellow, the sugar has turned to starch and the corn may be soft.
In supermarkets, it's usually found canned. Not all canned varieties are bad: some offer quite crunchy grains and are non-GMO.
It can be eaten directly on the cob: boiled in water for 10 minutes, baked in its husks for 15 minutes, or grilled for 15 minutes. Once cooked, the kernels are separated at the base with a sharp knife, or brushed with melted butter, pepper, and coarse salt, and enjoyed as is, just like in the United States.
Flour is used to make tortillas and tamales. Oil, syrup, bran, and starch (which serves as a thickener), as well as popcorn, are also derived from flour.
Of the three most widely produced cereals in the world, wheat, rice, and corn, corn is the only one not primarily grown for human consumption. Many varieties exist, including blue corn.