Maize: Oaxacan Green
(Zea mays)

Maize is an annual warm-climate crop in the grass family, thriving in open sunny environments with daytime temperatures of 20-24C. Maize is used fresh, frozen, canned, rolled and roasted for corn flakes, pressed for oil, or processed for ethanol as fuel. Maize is also an important feed source for poultry, swine and cattle. The whole plant is used as green fodder or as silage for cattle.

A green dent corn from the Zapotec Indians in Oaxaca, Mexico. This corn is thought to contain increased genetic diversity and it does well in hot humid climates. Tall sturdy stalks do well with the three sisters growing method (corn, beans, and pumpkin). Plants can grow over 2m tall and produce 25cm long ears with emerald green kernels. Used to make flour.