Maize (Zea mays)

Other names: Maize, Corn, Maize, Mais

Maize, also known as Zea mays, Corn, Maize or Mais, is one of the most widely grown cereals in the world. It is native to southern Mexico, where its cultivation began more than 10,000 years ago. Since then, it has spread all over the world and is an important raw material for the production of various products. It is mainly grown for its nutritious grains, which are high in starch, but also in protein and fat. Maize is also a source of many vitamins, especially B vitamins and vitamin C, and minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and copper.

Maize is used in many sectors of the food industry. It is a basic raw material for the production of flour, cornstarch, corn flakes and corn flakes. It is widely used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as whisky and rum. It is also a source of fructose-glucose syrup, which is used as a sweetener in many industrially produced foods and beverages. Corn is also an important raw material for the production of corn oil, which is used in both food and cosmetics. In addition, maize is used extensively as animal feed. To a lesser extent, it is also used in industry to produce bioplastics and bioethanol. Maize is therefore an extremely versatile plant that plays a number of roles in different sectors of human activity.