Corn also known as maize has the botanical name, Zea Mays.
Here in Nigeria, different ethnic groups have a name for the crop, Oka (Igbo’s), Agbado (Yoruba,s) and Masara (Hausas).
Although now cultivated throughout the whole world maize originated in Mexico.
The grain got into the African continent in the 16th century and spread throughout the continent in the 19th century.
Large, small scale farmers and households, grow maize in all part of Nigeria.
The forest zones vegetation (mangrove swamp and tropical rain forest) is where corn was first grown in the country.
However large scale production has moved to the northern guinea savanna (found in parts of Kaduna, Kwara, Benue and Kogi state).
Currently, Kaduna state is the largest producer of Corn in Nigeria.
Nigeria produced 11500 metric tons of Maize in 2020, which has significantly grown from 931 metric tons produced in 1971, thus causing an increased average annual rate of 7.57%. (Knoema)
Therefore, making Nigeria the 12th largest producer of Corn in the world and second in Africa after South Africa. (Knoema)
People from different ethnic groups consume corn (maize) a staple food in Nigeria in various ways.
It has become an important crop and has even replaced other grains like sorghum and millet.
Additionally, Corn is the world’s highest supplier of calories giving about 19.5% followed by rice at 16.5% and wheat at 15.0%.
Just to mention, the corn plant is grown from its seed (the grain) and it is an annual crop.
See Also: Planting Corn: Easy Steps On How To Plant Corn.
Nutritional Facts of Corn
Yellow Corn Raw 100g
| Water | 10.4g |
| Energy | 365kcal |
| Protein | 9.42g |
| Fat | 4.74g |
| Ash | 1.2g |
| Carbohydrate | 74.3g |
| Fiber | 7.3g |
| Sugar | 0.64g |
| Thiamin | 0.385mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.201mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.424mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.622 |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 |
| Niacin | 3.63mg |
| Folate | 19ug |
| Ascorbic acid | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 11ug |
| Calcium | 7mg |
| Phosphorus | 210mg |
| Iron | 2.71mg |
| Potassium | 287mg |
| Magnesium | 127mg |
| Copper | 0.314mg |
| Zinc | 2.21mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Manganese | 0.485mg |
| Selenium | 15.5mg |
Source (USDA)
Corn (maize) is used in various ways and in different industries from the grain (seed) to the other parts of the corn plant.
In Nigeria this grain is used in the making of several homemade dishes and snacks, which varies from one cultural group to another and some eaten by everyone, for example:
Firstly, Fresh Corn is boiled, roasted/grilled or baked, either whole or when removed from the cob.
Secondly, the fresh grain can be part of a Salad recipe.
Thirdly, fresh corn is taken as a snack with African Pear (Ube) or Coconut,
Next, fresh grain can be cooked alongside other grains in some instances, it is cooked with Beans to make Beans and Corn Porridge,
Next, the fresh grain when blended is used to make other meals like Moi Moi Oka, Cornmeal (Nri Oka).
Then, dry grains are processed to make various foods like Pap (Akamu), Tuwo, Agidi/Eko, Agidi Jollof and snacks such as Kokoro, Donkwa to mention a few.
Finally, Popcorn a type of corn is not excluded in making great snack too.
See Also: Pap for Food: What You Need To Know
Maize is processed and used in various ways for food as well as an ingredient in food products, Some of the processed foods are namely:
Additionally, it’s used in products like beverages, beer, salad dressing and peanut butter.
Even the cosmetic industry is not excluded, for instance, Corn products are used in making
Likewise maize products can be found in:
The crop is also used in making feed for
Grains are usually the major ingredient in animal feed and corn (maize) is favoured above all other grains. This is as a result of its fibre and high starch content which gives a high level of energy at a lower cost.
The types of maize in Nigeria are:
Various varieties of the corn (maize) type mentioned above exist especially for yellow and white corn
From the nutritional table above we see the nutritional composition present in the grain each of the elements benefits our health one way or the other, let’s look at some of the benefits.
Firstly, its high fibre content helps in pushing waste out of the body system, preventing, constipation and haemorrhoids.
Secondly, The presence of phenolic, ferulic acid, beta-cryptoxanthin (good for the lungs), rich fibre content and the ability to lower cholesterol (which promote colon health) makes the grain good for reducing the chances of cancer in the body.
Thirdly, Iron, folic acid and vitamin B6 are essential minerals for the production of red blood cells and in fact, maize is rich in these minerals.
Next, Antioxidants, carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin which is present in the cereal in a good amount has considerably good benefits on the eyes. Therefore improving good eyesight.
furthermore, Its benefits on the digestive system, as mentioned above such as preventing constipation and haemorrhoid is advantageous to the expecting mother.
Moreover, The presence of folic acid, zeaxanthin, vitamins like thiamine, and pantothenic acid present in the grain reduces the chances of birth defects during pregnancy.
In conclusion, It’s high in fibre and helps in reducing cholesterol level which aids the reduction of blood sugar level in diabetics. Polyphenols present in the grain is said to prevent type two diabetics.
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