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Corn, also known as maize, is a staple crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years. There are many fascinating facts about this versatile grain that are less well-known. Let's dive into some fun and interesting facts about corn:
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Ear of Corn Anatomy: An average ear of corn contains about 800 kernels arranged in 16 rows. A pound of corn consists of approximately 1,300 kernels.
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Height and Roots: A corn plant can grow anywhere from 5 to 12 feet tall, with the average height being around 8 feet by midsummer. A healthy corn plant's roots can reach an impressive 6 ½ feet into the ground, anchoring it firmly in place.
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Number of Ears: Different corn plants can have varying numbers of ears, with some plants producing two to three ears.
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Sweet Corn Production: Despite its popularity, only about one percent of the corn planted in the United States is sweet corn, which is the type of corn most commonly eaten by humans.
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Even Rows: One interesting fact about corn cobs is that they always have an even number of rows of kernels.
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Tallest Corn Stalk: The world record for the tallest corn stalk stands at more than 35 feet, showcasing the impressive growth potential of this crop under optimal conditions.
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Global Corn Production: More than 90 million acres of land worldwide are dedicated to producing corn, highlighting its importance as a major food crop.
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Corn Terminology: In most countries outside of the United States, corn is referred to as "maize," which is derived from the Spanish word "maíz."
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US Corn Production: The United States is the leading producer of corn, accounting for about one-third of the world's total corn production.
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Water Consumption: It takes approximately 91 gallons of water to produce just one pound of corn, underscoring the crop's significant water requirements.
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