Corn Nutrition

Jumping Genes The Colors Of Corn

Yellow Corn –

Yellow corn is a mutant.

If the anthocyanine pathway in corn is disabled, corn kernals look yellow. The molecule that gives corn its yellow color belongs to another class of compounds called carotenoids. They are fat-soluable compounds and give tomatoes, watermelons and other plants their yellow, organge or red colors. corn which are deficient in both anthocyanies and carotenoids are white kernals.

Maize Purple or Black Corn –

This color is caused by a molecule that belongs to the same class of compounds that give strawberries and cherries their red color, called anthocyanies. Anthocyanines are water soluable pigments that produce brilliant hues of purple, red and blue in plants.  Anthocyanines belong to the group of flavonoids which are secondary plant products. Their presense is thought to provide two advantages to plants. Conveying protection against pathogens and attracting pollinators.

Corn Nutrition –                                                                                                                                Corn is  high in these nutritients –

Yellow – No Salt – 1/2 Cup                                                                                                                   Magnesium

Calories           82                                                                                                                                    Phosphorus

Protein            2.5 gm                                                                                                                             Potassium

Carbs               19.7 gm                                                                                                                            Folate

Fat                     .6 gm                                                                                                                               Vitamin A

Chol                 0

Fiber                 2 gm

Water               104 gm