Sweetcorn Condensed Version: Maize originated in Mexico and Central America where it has been grown for centuries, dating back to the great civilisations of the Incas, the Mayas and the Aztecs. The ¡®mielie¡¯ as it is known in South Africa was introduced to the country in the late 1500s and quickly become a staple food crop.
When did maize come to South Africa?
The ¡®mielie¡¯ as it is known in South Africa was introduced to the country in the late 1500s and quickly become a staple food crop. There are a number of different types of maize: Field corn is used mainly to feed livestock, but in many countries is used for human consumption as well.
How did corn grow?
Evidence suggests that cultivated corn arose through natural crossings, probably first with gamagrass (a warm-season, sod-forming bunch grass) to yield teosinte; and then possibly, with a backcrossing of teosinte, produced primitive maize, which finally resulted in the modern races.
How is vegetable oil produced?
The production process of vegetable oil involves the removal of oil from plant components, typically seeds. This can be done via mechanical extraction using an oil mill or chemical extraction using a solvent. The extracted oil can then be purified and, if required, refined or chemically altered.