The roots of corn run deep in history.

The history of corn is truly a...MAIZE...ing. We are able to trace the beginning of corn to Central America over 7000 years ago.

The Mayan, Aztec, and Inca Indians of Central and South America learned to use almost every part of the corn plant. The leaves contain a large amount of sugar and they used them as the first "chewing gum". Immature corn was eaten as a fresh vegetable. The dry, mature kernels of corn were ground into flour, parched, or popped. Can you image the Aztec Indian children eating popcorn just like you do at the movies!

By the time Christopher Columbus reached the New World in 1492, corn was grown from southern Canada to the Andes Mountains of South America. Early European settlers soon learned to depend upon corn as their main crop.

History says that it was corn that saved the Pilgrims that first winter in New England.

Corn is a member of the grass family of plants. Today's corn plant is very much different than its ancient ancestor. It is much taller and produces a much larger ear.