Scroll to explore events active on this date.
There are several unique focuses for 2025. I covered the first 12 in Part One. The following are the rest I have discovered for this year. As with all issues of LEEP Ink, the following descriptions are a...
We've arrived at another new year; the older I get, the more frequently they come. When I was younger, years seemed to take a long time to pass. Now, they're just a blip—here and gone. For ma...
21 Themes and 'Year of' Events for 2025 PART ONE, THE FIRST 12 Every year, various organizations announce the theme for the year. These themes can focus on causes, such as aesthetics and color tre...
Corn, also known as maize, has a storied history that begins in ancient Mesoamerica and was first domesticated in Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Indigenous peoples cultivated corn from a wild grass called teosinte, and through selective breeding, they developed the staple crop known today, which would become integral to the agricultural societies of the Americas.
AS A FOOD
As European explorers reached the Americas, corn reached the rest of the world, where it adapted to various climates and soils, becoming a global commodity. Today, it is not only a vital food source but also a key ingredient in animal feed and a raw material in industry.
Corn can be cooked in numerous ways, reflecting its versatility. It can be boiled, grilled, roasted, and steamed when on the cob. Corn kernels can be cooked similarly to other grains or popped for popcorn. Moreover, corn is ground into flour or meal and used in popular recipes.
Some of the most common dishes that feature corn include:
TORTILLAS—A cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, tortillas are flatbreads made from cornmeal, essential for tacos and many other traditional dishes.
POLENTA—In Italian cooking, polenta is a porridge made from cornmeal, often served as a side or with toppings like cheese, sauce, or vegetables.
CORNBREAD—A staple in the Southern United States, cornbread is a quick bread made with cornmeal, often enjoyed with barbecues and as a comfort food.
CORN CHOWDER—A hearty soup popular in the American Northeast, corn chowder includes corn kernels, potatoes, cream, and sometimes bacon or ham.
AREPA—In South American countries like Colombia and Venezuela, arepas are thick patties made from precooked corn flour, often filled with cheese, meats, or other fillings.
PAP—A traditional cornmeal porridge served with meat and vegetable stews in various African countries.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL
Corn features in the production of biofuel, specifically ethanol. Corn-based ethanol is a renewable fuel made from the fermented starch of corn grains. It is blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality. Corn ethanol is the most common biofuel in the United States, and government mandates and subsidies have supported its production.
The use of corn for ethanol production has been a subject of debate due to concerns about its impact on food prices and food supply, as well as discussions about the net energy and environmental benefits of corn-based ethanol compared to other fuels. Despite this, it remains a significant component of biofuel production in many countries.
National Corn Month is an opportunity to explore the culinary delights of this universal grain or chip in for a greener planet by upgrading your fuel.
Currently, this event does not have supporting documents.
Currently, this event does not have supporting images.