Corn: Not Just for Food Anymore

Consider the ear of corn (known as maize by Native Americans). Who would have thought that human beings would think of so many uses for corn. Beyond just the obvious delicious item that we enjoy at picnics and barbeques, corn has expanded into a major commodity for a number of industries.

Corn oil, flour and starch are used in every day items that we eat as well as use. From baked goods, to chewing gum, antibiotics and soap; all the way to the gasoline we put into our vehicles. Some derivative of corn or corn product is found in almost everything we touch.

Attention to this simple vegetable has never been so great as it is now. Due to the devastating drought conditions, corn production fell to unprecedented levels. Now, we are going to feel the pinch with increased prices and really find out how far corn has gone in our society.

Sources:
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/08/27/corn-drought/?cnn=yes
http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/corn/background.aspx

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.