Corn Facts for Kids

What am I?

I am the third largest food source in the world. It's believed that for 9,000 years I have been farmed, starting in southern Mexico. I'm usually yellow, but I come in all sorts of colors from white, red, blue, and even multi-colored. I am used in a wide range of foods, from salads and soups to tortillas and popcorn. Even though I have ears, I can't hear. 

Can you guess what I am?​

Where I grow

I grow on the ground, and I'm actually a type of grass. I grow in many parts of the world, including North and South America, Asia, and Africa. I am typically cultivated (or farmed) in large fields where I have plenty of sunlight, water, and fertile soil. My stalks grow 5-12 feet tall! Each stalk can grow two to four ears.

After I'm picked

After I'm picked, I can be enjoyed many ways. Some people prefer to eat me fresh, boiling or grilling my kernels for a sweet and juicy snack (just make sure to remove my husk first). Others like to use my kernels in salsas, stews, and salads. My kernels can be dried and ground into flour to make things like bread and tortillas. Dried whole kernels when heated pop to make a delicious snack. I can also be made into a type of sugar, oil, and even fuel for cars!

Did you guess... Corn

Español: maíz

Did you guess that I am corn? You got it!

​Corn is a versatile crop that has been a part of our diets for thousands of years. From fresh to dried, sweet to savory, corn offers a range of culinary possibilities. Whether you enjoy me on the cob, as a side dish, or in a tasty snack, corn brings a burst of flavor and texture to the table. So, the next time you savor a delicious corn dish, remember the journey from field to plate and appreciate the golden goodness of this amazing crop.

Watch the video to learn more!

​​Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
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