Corn meal is a fine powder made by grinding corn kernels. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world and is used to prepare a variety of dishes, from Italian polenta to Mexican tortillas.

Corn meal has ancient roots in the indigenous cultures of the Americas. Before the arrival of Europeans, native civilizations used corn as a staple food and developed techniques like nixtamalization, a process that increases the nutritional availability of corn.

Production

After harvesting, corn kernels can undergo nixtamalization, where they are cooked in an alkaline solution and then ground, producing a flour called masa. Otherwise, they can be directly ground to produce corn meal. The grinding can be coarse or fine depending on the intended use.

Health Benefits

Digestion - The fiber in corn meal aids in digestion and can prevent constipation.

Antioxidants - Corn contains antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body.

Eye Health - Yellow corn is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can promote eye health.

Cultural Considerations

In many cultures, corn meal holds cultural and spiritual significance. For instance, in Italy, polenta has a long history and is often associated with certain regions and traditions.