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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Black corn has jet black kernels with a slightly purplish hue. Black corn grows on stalks that reach up to 3 meters in height. Black corn produces long, slender cobs around 20 centimeters in length, and is considered a medium-sized variety. Depending on the variety, the kernels may be white when young, only developing their dark color as they mature. Black corn does stain, and even removing the husks dyes your fingers purple. Black corn is chewy and starchy. It produces what is called an “old fashioned” sweetness, meaning that although it is sweet, it is not as sugary as modern varieties of yellow corn.
Seasons/Availability
Black corn is available in the summer months.
Current Facts
Black corn is an heirloom variety, and is botanically classified as Zea mays, the same species the yellow corn. In Peru, Black corn is also known as Maiz Morado, while in the United States and the United Kingdom, it may be referred to as Black Aztec corn or Black Mexican corn. Outside of South America, Black corn is not found commonly in supermarkets, and only occasionally in farmer’s markets. It is popular for its striking color, which also makes it popular as an ornamental.
Nutritional Value
Black corn contains anthocyanins, a plant pigment that is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Black corn contains essential nutrients such as iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and vitamin A.
Applications
Black corn is good grilled, roasted, boiled and steamed. A simple combination of butter, salt and pepper enhances its flavor. Black corn is a versatile vegetable that may used in place of yellow corn. Black corn may also be ground into cornmeal and used for cornbread, tortillas, and Indian roti breads. Black corn should be stored in the refrigerator with its husks on.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Black corn is boiled and used to a summer drink called chicha morada, which is popular in Peru. It is also used to make a fermented, alcoholic beverage called masato. Black corn features in folklore of the South Americas, and is listed when the red and blue varieties are mentioned. The Pueblo Indians may have used Black corn in their ceremonial costumes, and also refer to a Black Corn Maiden in their myths.
Geography/History
The exact origins of Black corn are unclear, nevertheless it is an ancient variety grown by the Aztecs over 2,000 years ago, and used since ancient times in areas throughout South America, notably Peru. Black corn made its way into North American seed catalogues in the 1860s, and today, it is still considered to be a relatively uncommon variety outside of South America. Black corn requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow, and thrives in temperate climates with moderate to high amounts of rainfall.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Corn. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Black Corn using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Elena Medellin
Finca La Bonita
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaSanta Elena Medellin Antioquia 574-291-8949 About 307 days ago, 11/17/20 Sharer's comments : Small black corn 
I Formaggi Al Mercato Centrale
Near Florence, Tuscany, ItalyAbout 707 days ago, 10/15/19 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Nature fresh SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens Greece Y-14 About 726 days ago, 9/26/19 Sharer's comments : Black corn 🌽 Peru 🇵🇪 |
