TYPES OF MAIZE

The different types of corn have lots of different shapes, sizes, colors, textures and adaptation to different environments. Although all maize belong to the same species and types that correspond to different botanical classifications.

There are also a number of genes that modify the chemical composition of the endosperm. The chemical composition of endosperm, configures the physical characteristics that permits the establishing of commercial types.

From the commercial point of view maize can be classified according to the hardness of the grain.

• Dent: It is the type which is mostly grown. It has a high proportion of starch and a low proportion of protein and the grain texture is soft and lightweight. It is preferred for wet milling and livestock feed and used for human consumption in low proportion.
• Hard: They have a low starch composition. Because of its weight, hardness and high protein, this type of maize is preferred for dry grinding.
• Floury: It is one of the oldest types of corn and it was used by the Aztecs, Incas and Guarani. It is mainly characterized by having a soft endosperm.
• Sweet: Grains have a high composition in sugar and have transparent appearance. The fresh raw grain is used for consumption
• Maize for popcorn: It has a very tough corneum endosperm, and contains only a small fraction of starch inside a dense and resistant pericarp.
• Ornamental: Small grain maize types used for ornamental and decorative purposes.
• Maize for special uses:There are a number of genes that influence the composition of the endosperm. As a result of this, new maize varieties have been developed for special purposes in food and textile industry.