American and Canadian chefs are just learning what Mexicans have long known: a bluish fungus that infects corn and has been considered a scourge by most U.S. farmers is actually delicious. So much so that scientists are now trying to figure out how to purposefully grow it. One evening last July, Sean Brock, an executive chef and restaurant owner based in Charleston, … [Read more...] about This Creepy-Looking Fungus Infects Corn Kernels, Turning Them Into a Delicacy Used in Quesadillas and Other Foods
Corn
The Astonishing Symbiosis of Mexican Maize: Nitrogen-Fixing Corn Slime
Can you believe this? Nature constantly reveals its secrets, and one such revelation has left scientists astounded. In the heart of Mexico, an endemic maize variety known as Sierra Mixe possesses an extraordinary trait that may revolutionize agriculture as we know it. Imagine a corn plant with aerial roots secreting a peculiar mucus, a substance that drips around the plant. … [Read more...] about The Astonishing Symbiosis of Mexican Maize: Nitrogen-Fixing Corn Slime
The Rise of Huitlacoche: Chefs Embrace Corn Fungus as Delicacy
Corn fungus, also known as huitlacoche or "corn smut," has become increasingly popular among chefs and foodies in recent years, according to an article from NPR's "The Salt" blog. Previously viewed as a pest that ruined crops, huitlacoche is now being embraced for its unique flavor and texture. Huitlacoche is a type of fungus that infects corn plants and causes a dark, … [Read more...] about The Rise of Huitlacoche: Chefs Embrace Corn Fungus as Delicacy
Glass Gem: The Story of The Most Beautiful Corn Variety on Earth
When you think of corn, you might imagine the typical yellow kernels that are so common in grocery stores. But there is one corn variety that stands out from the rest with its stunning rainbow colors, and that is the Glass Gem corn. The story behind this unique corn variety began with Oklahoma farmer, Carl Barnes, who was exploring his Native American roots. Barnes started … [Read more...] about Glass Gem: The Story of The Most Beautiful Corn Variety on Earth