Corn History

Corn has been part of human life for centuries. It is technically a grass. Historians believe it was first grown in central Mexico 7,000 years ago. Native Americans ate it as an important part of their diet. They also used corn for tools, decorations, and in religious ceremonies. When early settlers arrived in the U.S. from Europe, Native Americans taught them how to grow corn. That knowledge saved many pioneers from starvation.

Today, corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica. The U.S. produces more corn than any other country.