Confusing corn and maize as the same crop is a common mistake, but knowing the surprising differences between them is essential to understanding what you’re planting, how to care for your crops, and how to sell them. Read on to learn more about these two different crops and ensure you yield the desired harvest.
What Is Maize?
Maize is a crop that has been cultivated in what is now the Americas for thousands of years, and it’s one of the most valuable crops worldwide. It’s a grass that grows up to 30 feet in height, producing a cob and an ear of kernels.
Maize comes in various colors, including white, yellow, and red. This crop is highly versatile and used for food, animal feed, biofuels, and industrial products.
What Is Corn?
Like maize, corn is also a type of grass, but it grows to be around only 8 to 10 feet tall on average. It has a cob with kernels that people across the globe use for food.
Corn is categorized as either sweet corn or field corn. People harvest sweet corn when the kernels are still immature; these are used for human consumption. In contrast, field corn fully matures and is primarily used for animal feed, ethanol production, and other industrial purposes (although it’s still safe for human consumption).
The Fundamental Differences Between Maize and Corn
Although both crops have similar appearances and edibility, they have unique attributes. The primary difference between maize and corn is that maize is used predominantly for industrial, non-food purposes. It’s used to creates ethanol, animal feed, and even plastic. Maize also has a higher oil content, making it ideal for industrial use. On the other hand, corn is a food source for both humans and animals.
The Nutritional Differences Between Maize and Corn
When it comes to nutrition, maize and corn are relatively similar. Both have similar amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. The primary nutritional difference is that corn contains more antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
The Benefits of Both Maize and Corn
Maize and corn both offer a range of benefits. Maize is incredibly versatile thanks to its high oil content. It’s also an excellent source of protein and amino acids. Similarly, corn is high in fiber, making it a great food source for digestion. It’s also relatively low in fat, making it ideal for weight loss.
If you’re hoping to start planting, understanding the differences between these crops is essential. The two might seem interchangeable, specifically when it comes to cooking, but there’s no doubt each offers its own benefits and uses.
Having this knowledge will help you provide your customers with better knowledge. Make sure you have the right equipment and materials for your produce, such as sweet corn bags, for an easy transaction of maize or corn.