Maize Vs Corn: Is There A Difference?

Yes, Maize and corn are related to the same plant. Both are terminologies and are used for the same food item. The only difference is which type of English you’re using. It is derived from the Zea maize plant, which is known as corn in North America.

Corn in British English represents any small item, including even a pepper corn or a single grain. The terms maize and corn are used interchangeably if you are in a grocery store. This puzzle causes confusion in the minds of farmers, traders, exporters, and consumers. Maize means the grown product in the field, and corn is called a harvested item that is provided to you on a plate. The simple thing you should know all maize is corn, but not all corn is maize.

In this post, you can learn about the difference between maize and corn.

  • Biological Identity:
    • Both denote Zea mays, the domesticated cereal originating in Mesoamerica
    • Now grown worldwide for food, feed, and industrial uses.
  • Regional preference:
    • “Maize” is used in UK, Asia, Africa, Europe.) and in scientific, agricultural, and formal contexts. It reduces ambiguity when multiple grains are involved.
    • “Corn” is usedin the United States, Australia,and Canada for Zea mays.
  • Historical/linguistic background:
    • “Corn” originally meant any local cereal grain, for example, barley, oats, wheat, etc. in older English usage.
    • “Maize” is derived from Spanish and was adopted into English to name the New World crop specifically.
  • Contextual differences:
    • If we consider it in writing, thenexportof the plant makes broad sense.
    • Sweet corns are used in many recipes, like soup, syrup, corn oil, rice, etc.

What Is Maize?

Maize, Zea mays L. (corn), is the most produced cereal in the world. Maize is not grown in Antarctica. There are 50 types of maize grain exist in this world that consist of different textures, colours, sizes, and shapes. It is most important cultivated crop after rice, wheat, sugar cane, etc. It is a grass that grows up to 30 ft in height. It appears in different colours like white, red, and yellow.

What Is Corn?

Corn is the same as maize, but its length is 8 to 10 ft. If it is used for human consumption, then people harvest it when the corn is not mature. In contrast, field corn is matured, then it is used for animal feed, industrial purposes, and ethanol production.

The Fundamental Differences Between Maize and Corn

Both crops have similar appearances but unique attributes. Maize is used for industrial purposes. Maize has higher oil content which makes is ideal for industrial purposes. Corn is the best food source for both animals and humans.

The Nutritional Differences Between Maize and Corn

Maize contains minerals (magnesium, phosphorus), B Vitamins, and protein. Corn is high in Fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, and antioxidants. If we talk about health, then both maize and corn are the same things.

The Benefits of Both Maize and Corn

Maize is versatile and rich in content, also it provides amino acids and protein. Corn is good for the digestive system due to its Fiber content.

Macronutrients:

  • Saturated Fat 3%
  • Total Fat 7%
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 5%
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2%
  • Cholesterol 0%
  • Sodium 0%
  • Total Carbohydrates 25%
  • Dietary Fiber 14%
  • Sugars 2%
  • Protein 10%

Micronutrients:

Minerals:

  • Calcium 26%
  • Iron 11%
  • Potassium 27%

Vitamins:

  • Thiamine 5%
  • Riboflavin 7.6%
  • Niacin 3.7%
  • Folic Acid 3%
  • Vitamin C 7%
  • Vitamin E 4.6%

Different Types of Maize (Corn)

  • Sweet corn
  • Field corn
  • Popcorn
  • Flint and dent corn

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

  • Agricultural learning and research
  • Buying or selling grain in international markets
  • Reading food labels or nutrition reports
  • Teaching students or preparing educational material
  • Working in farming, feed, and livestock industries