Corn Month is celebrated in July every year. People all across the world benefit from the annual corn month campaign, which provides corn recipes, health information, cooking ideas, and much more. Corn is so nutritious, versatile, and delicious that it gets its own month every year to celebrate it.
History of Corn Month
Corn, also known as maize, is a cultigen that requires human intervention to propagate. The domestic corn we know today originated from a wild plant called ‘teosinte.’ Most historians believe corn was domesticated in the Tehuacán Valley of Mexico about 10,000 years ago. However, recent research indicates that the adjacent Balsas River Valley of south-central Mexico is the center of corn domestication. By 4000 B.C., corncobs were already an inch long. They had evolved due to new sowing techniques. After the arrival of Europeans to the region in 1492, Spanish settlers consumed corn, and explorers and traders carried it back to Europe and introduced it to other countries.
Corn spread to the rest of the world because of its ability to grow in diverse climates. It was cultivated in Spain just a few decades after Columbus’s voyages and then spread to Italy, West Africa, and elsewhere. The widespread cultivation of corn most likely began in southern Spain in 1525, after which it quickly spread to the rest of the Spanish Empire including its territories in Italy.
By the 17th century, corn was a common peasant food in Southwestern Europe, including Portugal, Spain, southern France, and Italy. By the 18th century, it was the chief food of the southern French and Italian peasantry, especially in the form of ‘polenta’ in Italy.
In 1950, sweet corn was developed by Professor John Laughnan of the University of Illinois. Corn further rose to become one of the world’s most cultivated grains. The month of October is dedicated to this essential crop which continues to feed most of the world’s population.
Corn Month timeline
Farmers begin cultivating corn in what is now present-day Mexico.
Owing to new sowing techniques, corn cobs grow an inch long.
Spanish traders transport corn to Europe and introduce it to other countries.
Professor John Laughnan of the University of Illinois develops ‘sweet corn.’
Corn Month FAQs
What is the corn capital of the world?
According to the Minnesota Senate, Olivia is the Corn Capital of the World.
Is maize the same as corn?
Yes, corn and maize are simply two terms that refer to the same crop.
What is the price of corn today?
The price shown is in U.S. Dollars per bushel. The current price of corn as of March 02, 2022, is $7.25 per bushel.
Corn Month Activities
Attend a parade
Several exciting parades are held during Corn Month. There are normally lots of fun games that you can participate in.
Cook corn meals
There are a variety of delectable dishes to pick from. Corn soup, corn burgers, corn fritters, corn tarts, corn, and jalapeno poppers are just a few examples. The list goes on and on, so get busy preparing your delicious, healthy meals.
Drink some corn beverages
Try out corn-based drinks. They vary from smoothies and teas to whiskey and beer, so there is a wide range of options for everyone.
5 Interesting Facts About Corn
The oldest corn
The oldest surviving corn types are found in the Mexican highlands.
Corn is grown everywhere except Antarctica
Antarctica is the only continent where corn is not grown.
Kernels can grow up to one inch
The maximum size of a corn kernel is supposedly one inch.
Corn is used for making biofuel
Corn is used for producing ethanol, which is a first-generation liquid biofuel.
The first corn harvester
The first mechanical corn harvester was manufactured in 1930 by Gleaner Harvester Combine Corporation of Independence, Missouri.
Why We Love Corn Month
It’s a good season to snack on some popcorn
National Corn Month is the ideal time to savor popcorn, which ranges from buttery and full-cream, to vegan, and dairy-free. We get to relax and have some tasty popcorn.
Corn is healthy
Corn is packed with various vitamins and minerals, it supports a gluten-free diet, and nurtures healthy bone density. It is a decent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which helps maintain good eye vision.
Corn played an important role in history
Corn helped the Mesoamerican people to survive. The cultural significance of corn is seen in Mesoamerican art, myths, and rituals. As of now, corn is the most important crop in the United States and is a staple food in many places.
Corn Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
