If you know, you know.
Colors of heirloom or “landrace” corn maize range from blue and red to purple and speckledand beyond.
One of these is Appalachian Blue Corn, distinct for its blue hue and endosperm.
Credit:Getty: bhofac2
Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills shares its unique history in the Southern United States.
What Does Blue Corn Taste Like?
Blue corn is distinctly nutty and slightly sweet.
Credit:Getty: DoraDalton
“Blue tends to hurry up more when threatened,” Roberts says.
Getty: DoraDalton
What Makes Corn Colorful?
“Any plant that’s a landrace will eventually show color,” says Roberts.
Credit:Getty: fitopardo
“Culinary uses weren’t really important, historically,” says Roberts.
“All the corn that was growing in Appalachia had to do, eventually, with distillation.”
“Obviously there’sgrits,” says Roberts.
“Lots of different types of grits.”
