Healthy Breakfast Ideas & Guides # Top Little-Did-You-Know Corn Facts Published: 05/03/2026 AuthorNestlé Cereals Reading time: 5 min. Share it with your friends ![corn-facts](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2022-07/corn-facts.jpg.jpg.webp?itok=FZaMxqmN) Corn is the ever-present food in our lives, making our breakfast delicious whenever we reach for a bowl of corn cereal or helping us to wind down whilst watching a movie with a bag of popcorn. But as familiar as we are with its irresistible taste, there are many facts about corn that are not as well known. In this article we’re exploring the reasons why corn is such a special food, its ancient origins and the many amazing things you wouldn’t believe are made using corn as an ingredient. ## Top 7 facts about corn, one of the world’s most famous staple food ### 1. Corn comes from Mexico The first ancient farmers to cultivate corn were the native people of the North American continent, in an area that would become present-day Mexico, about 10,000 years ago. It would soon become a crop popular across North America and, after Cristopher Columbus expeditions, corn became a staple food in Europe as well. ### 2. Corn is also called maize Originally, the new crop discovered in the New World became known to European explorers as maize, based on the word ‘mahiz’ which indigenous people used to refer to the big green stalks they were cultivating. In Europe, the crop was referred to as the Indian corn, until eventually it became shortened to just corn. These days, both corn and maize are used in different parts of the globe. ### 3. Corn is a vegetable, fruit and grain Corn is a starchy vegetable similar to potatoes, but its kernels are considered grains and can be milled into flour. This is why [NESTLÉ GOFREE CORN FLAKES ](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free)make such a great substitute for breadcrumbs, especially when you are on a gluten-free diet. Check out this delicious [gluten-free pork schnitzel recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/gluten-free/pork-schnitzel) to see what we mean. But one of the less-known corn facts is that it’s also technically a fruit because it comes from the seed or flower of a plant, similar to tomatoes. And like many fruits, due to its sugar content, corn can be turned into syrup as well. ### 4. Corn comes in many different colours Colour is one of the most fun facts about corn. Although we’re used to the golden yellow corn that gives our [breakfast cornflakes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free/corn-flakes) the irresistible colour, the full range of shades corn comes in is enough to create a rainbow: red, blue, purple, black, brown, pink and so many others. One of the most amazing varieties is called Calico corn and it looks like a multi-coloured gem with red, yellow and brown kernels. Perfect for fun, colourful [corn crafts](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/kids-activities/easy-corn-crafts) you can make with the kids. ### 5. The world record for a corn plant height is over 48 feet An average corn plant grows up to 8 feet tall. But a record-setting corn stalk managed to grow six times as high in 2021. Jason Karl grew the giant corn plant in New York, USA by using heat to extend the growing season. He broke his own previous record and succeeded in growing the world’s tallest corn plant which reached a height of 48 feet. ### 6. Corn is more than food You might be expecting that all the facts about corn revolve around food. But while corn has given us plenty of delicious moments filled with favourites such as corn flakes, popcorn or tacos, this plant and its kernels are part of so many everyday products, from cosmetics to antibiotics and even fireworks! ### 7. Corn has an even number of rows on each cob One of Mother Nature’s curiosities is that you can always count on corn to have an even number of rows on each ear. Most varieties have between 8-20 rows of kernels, but whatever the number, chances are it’s going to be even. Why not put this fun corn fact to the test and give your little one the mission to count all the rows and decide whether the final number is even or not? Corn is a great gluten-free food if you’re avoiding gluten. Check out our [gluten-free recipes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/gluten-free/top-breakfast-ideas) and you’ll discover some of the most delightful meals and created using the tasty and crispy [NESTLÉ GOFREE Cereals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free). ![how-to-make-cereals](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2022-07/uk_nbc_how-to-make-cereals_stagevisual_001_0.jpg.jpg.webp?itok=gfCTSdDg) ## How to make cereals - in four simple steps! Have you ever wonder how breakfast cereals are made? -the way we bake is not a whole lot different from the way you bake! Find out [how to make cereals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/how-make-cereals-four-simple-steps) here. 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