New uses for maize

Scientists continually look for new uses of maize, especially environmentally friendly uses. One of these is as a biofuel (see also What is a biofuel?). Another new use is as a biodegradable plastic. Currently, most plastic is made from synthetic polymers (large chain-like molecules composed of repeating structural units), which are long-lasting, nonbiodegradable, and can be toxic. On the other hand, polymers created from maize (specifically from the lactic acid that is generated during the fermentation process) are biodegradable and safer for the environment.

Cornstarch, produced from the starch in the maize kernel, can also be used to make foam products similar to packing peanuts and package inserts. These maize-derived products are much better for the environment as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources.

Corn Board Manufacturing, Inc. is a company that produces items made from corn, including patio sets, particle board, and the Guiness World Record breaking longboard, the StalkIt IT.

For more information, see http://www.kycorn.org/kycgaprojects/newuses/newuses.htm, part of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association webpage.

What is a biofuel?

A biofuel is any fuel that is derived from a living or recently living organism, as opposed to fossil fuels, which are produced from the organic remains of long dead organisms. Biofuels can be used to power vehicles, heat or cool homes, and many other uses. There is increasing interest in biofuels because they are a more renewable resource than fossil fuels, and better for the environment.

Biofuels can be produced from many plants, including maize. There are a number of different strategies for biofuel production. Plants high in sugar or starch can be fermented to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol) that can be used directly as fuel. Plants most often used for this are maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), sugarcane (various Saccharum species), sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris). Brazil in particular has become well known for its successful use of ethanol made from sugarcane as fuel. Currently Brazil and the U.S. combined produce the majority of ethanol in the world.

Another method of generating biofuels is to produce cellulosic ethanol from the non-edible parts of plants such as the stalk. Cellulose is a component of lignin, the structural material in plants.  Although producing cellulosic ethanol has the advantage of using parts of the plant not usually used for food (and therefore is often wasted), it requires a greater amount of processing. In addition to maize stover (leaves and stalks), some plant materials used to generate cellulosic ethanol include switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), miscanthus (various species of Miscanthus), and wood chips.

Both methods of biofuel production require transporting the materials to a processing plant, thus adding to the cost (and fuel) required to generate the biofuel. Currently there are relatively few biofuel processing centers in the U.S., so this is a hindrance to the replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels.

Types and uses of maize

There are a number of different types of maize:

  • Field corn in the U.S. is used mainly to feed livestock, but in other countries is used for human consumption as well.
  • Sweet corn, the type most commonly eaten in the U.S., is a genetic variation that accumulates more sugar and less starch in the kernels; it is usually shorter than field corn.
  • Baby corn, popularly used in Asian cuisine, is a variety of maize developed to produce many small ears, rather than a few larger ones. The ears are harvested very young while they are still immature, and are tender enough for the whole ear to be eaten.
  • Popcorn, the ability of maize kernels to “pop” and expand upon heating, was also discovered by the Native Americans. Maize is able to pop because, unlike other grains, its kernels have a hard moisture-sealing hull and a dense starchy filling. When heated, pressure builds inside the kernel until an explosive "pop" results, and the starch expands and then hardens in the cooler air. Many maize varieties will pop, but some varieties have been specifically cultivated for this purpose.
  • Indian corn was originally the term applied to what we now know as maize or corn, to differentiate it from the generic term of “corn” Europeans used for all grains at that time. Now, it usually refers to any corn that has different colored kernels. Usually it is dried and used for ornamental purposes.

Maize can also be used in a number of other ways:

  • Maize flour, or meal, is made into a thick porridge in many cultures (polenta, Italy; angu, Brazil; mãmãligã, Romania; sadza, nshima, ugali, and mealie pap, Africa). Maize meal is also used as a replacement for wheat flour, to make cornbread and other baked products.
  • Masa (cornmeal treated with lime water) is the main ingredient for tortillas, atole, and many other dishes of Mexican food.
  • Cornstarch is made from maize kernels, which are high in starch, and used as a thickening agent in soups.
  • Corn syrup is used as a sweetener instead of sugar in thousands of products, including soda, candy, cookies and bread.
  • Kitty litter made from maize is environmentally-friendly.
  • Corn for cows, hogs, catfish and chickens: the largest market for maize in the U.S. is actually as food for livestock (sometimes called fodder, or silage). Cows eat field corn, not the sweet corn that people in the U.S. usually eat. Maize is also a large component of commercial chicken feed, as well as food for catfish, especially in farmed catfish.
  • A maize maze
    Maize mazes: mazes are a fun use of maize. Rows of maize are planted in the shape of a maze.  The locations of some “amazing maize mazes” can be found here: http://www.americanmaze.com/
 

Other Resources:

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