Maize

Description
    Maize is the most important cereal in the world after rice. It is , unique among cereals. The grain are borne in separate inflorescence, which are completely enclose as a modified leaf sheaths, so that is is incapable of dispersing it sheets. The corn is at it best when it is well filled but yet soft and tender. The tender maize is chiefly liked for it's high sugar content. It has more sugar than any other corn. So the maize is called sweet corn.

Origin and Distribution
The Maize is derived from an Arawak-Carib world. 'Mahiz' , The early American civilization was based on this corp, which make settled life possible in Mexico and central America. within a comparatively short time of the discovery of America, Maize spread widely throughout the world and became an important source of carbohydrate for a poorer countries.

MAIZE

                                               Value per 100gm edible portion

Natural Benefit and Curative Properties of Maize
The bread made from maize is nutritious  and palatable. It can be digested without difficultly Taken at intervals, this bread help to keep the colon clean. The dextrose produce from maize is used extensively in medicine.

Constipation
 Popcorn made by heating the small grains, is a wholesome cereal food and it is easily digested.  It has every in the original grain of corn content. It is not fattening and practically starch-free as in the process of popping., Its starch is converted into dextrine and immediate carbohydrate, a digestive product which is easily assimilable. It is laxative and provides bulk to faeces. It also promote peristalsis i.e. wave like movement by it tendency to absorb moisture. It is therefore, valuable as food for constipation.

Uses
Maize is prepared and consume in different ways, it is usually ground and pounded. the meal may be boiled, baked or fried. The whole grain may be boiled or roasted and it may be fermented. Maize can be cooked with water to provide thick mush or dough, it may be cooked with water to provide gruel,porridge or soup. Cornbread is made by mixing the meal with wheat flour. immature core preferably sweet corn, are boiled and eaten as corn on the cob or grain may be removed and eaten as a vegetable, or it may be caned. More matured cob are roasted.