Maize is specifically a grass- grain related to the Poaceae family, which includes economically important grasses such as rye, sorghum, oats, and wheat. Like other grasses, it is also a flowering plant called an angiosperm. Zea mays is the only domesticated specieswithin the Poaceae family (genus Zea has maize).
Terminology -Origin and Global Evolution of the Names Maize and Corn
The maize term is derived from the ancient word ‘Mahiz’ from the Tanio language-which was used by Colombian people in the USA. Columbus and other explorers took maize to Europe, and trade began in the 15th to 16th centuries. Europeans called it corn when they were introduced to maize, it was a general term, but some referred it to US. USA people use both names maize and corn, which were commonly used in the region. In some European countries, corn is also known as barley or wheat.
Different Names of Maize Grain
Maize grain is one of the world’s important cereal crops, popular due to its versatility, wide agricultural use, and highnutritional values. Maize word is used in both agricultural and scientific circle. It has different names in the world. The corn word is the most popular name in the world like in USA, Canada, Central Asia and Australia. This name is used because it has clarity for consumers, traders, and farmers in different regions. In Africa side it is also called mealie grain or mealies. It is also called makai, makka, or Bhutta in local languages like Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. It has so many names because maize has extensive use globally.
The Deep Cultural and Historical Significance of Maize in Mesoamerican Civilization
The most popular crop within the Mayan culture was maize. It was also combined with other plants like squash, yuca beans, chilli, sweet potatoes, and squash. It is important in the human diet as well. In fact, corn is based on economic, social, and religious characteristics. The cultivation of corn is an important factor for success and health, as well as relationships with other tribe and their culture
Corn is presented in religious ways, like for prayers, some people burn it with copal pom, tobacco, and alcohol. Flowers, etc. In some functions, women drank Saka which means corn meal. People presented this saka to their God. Today, corn is the most consumed grain for some people, that is important for their culture and economy. Corn is a plant that is available in highest plasticity, which is available in different varieties. It is used in all traditional dishes in almost all regions like soup, atoles, and pozole.
Most maize grown is developed for animal and it is used for industrial products like syrup and alcohol production. It is also used in sweeteners in soft drinks. Sugar is derived from maize, is one of the sweeteners in soft drinks. Thus, corn is an important part of our culture, and it is still important in tradition and has converted the entire world.
Maize as a Key Feed Crop and Its Naming in Global Trade
In the agricultural sector, maize is important for dairy animals. Farmers depend on this crop because of its digestibility, consistent availability, and high-energy content. Here too, the corn term is used when exporters, traders, and seller sell their product in international market. Every consignee, exporter, farmers, and seller should know the local name of maize or corn,which is makai. Now no need to create confusion, especially in commodity exchanges or written contracts.
Misunderstanding the terminology can create confusion, especially in written contracts and commodity exchanges. However, in agricultural and educational sectors, people use the term maize to avoid confusion, and they discuss crop varieties, pest management, agricultural practices, and breeding tips.
Scientific Names:
Homo sapiens (humans)
Oryza sativa (rice)
Zea mays (maize)
Maize Nutrition value
Maize is an important feed item for more than 1 billion people in the world. As per study, many people have a deficiency of Vitamin A. The white maize grain fulfills this deficiency. However, the yellow maize grain has 2 micrograms/gram. It is based on genetic variation. Maize can bear more than 50-degrees and survive in both cold and hot weather. Its growing cycle is based on 3-13 months. Ratio is: 70-87% (carbohydrates), starch (amylose and amylopectin)& 6-13% protein
Muhammad Arif CEO, MBA in Finance and Marketing from South Korea University. 15 years plus experience in Agriculture Waste and Animal Feed Production, Facility Management & Export