No, there is no 'new' name for maize
Contrary to a persistent misconception, maize has not received a new name. The confusion largely comes from the fact that this grain is known by different names in various parts of the world, most notably 'maize' and 'corn'. In North America, the term 'corn' is widely used, while 'maize' is the standard in many other countries and in scientific communities. The history of these names is rooted in linguistics and cultural development, not a recent renaming.
The origins of 'maize' and 'corn'
The word 'maize' is derived from the Spanish 'maíz', which in turn came from the Taíno word 'mahís', used by the indigenous people of the Caribbean. European explorers took the plant, and its name, back to the Old World, where it became the internationally accepted term.
Meanwhile, the word 'corn' has a different and more complex history in the English language. Before the discovery of the Americas, 'corn' was a general term in England used to describe the most common grain crop in a particular region, such as wheat or barley. In the American colonies, settlers began referring to the new local grain—which they called 'Indian corn'—simply as 'corn'. Over time, this shortened name became the standard in the United States, Canada, and Australia, while the rest of the world largely continued to use 'maize'.
Why 'maize' is favored in scientific and international contexts
For clarity, scientific and international organizations, such as the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), prefer the term 'maize'. The reason for this is simple: 'maize' refers specifically and unambiguously to Zea mays, the species in question. Conversely, 'corn' can be ambiguous. In some parts of the world, it could refer to wheat, oats, or barley. This lack of precision makes 'corn' unsuitable for formal or scientific use where clear, standardized terminology is critical.
Types and varieties of maize
Regardless of the name used, the crop itself is known scientifically as Zea mays. The broad category includes a wide variety of subspecies and types, each with unique characteristics. This diversity accounts for the different uses of the grain around the world.
- Dent Corn: Characterized by a small dimple or "dent" in the top of each kernel when it dries. It is the most widely grown type in the United States and is primarily used for animal feed, industrial products, and processed foods.
- Sweet Corn: Harvested while immature and high in sugar content, this is the type most commonly eaten directly by humans, either fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Flint Corn: Also known as Indian corn, it has a very hard outer shell and is used for cornmeal and popcorn. Its colorful, often multi-hued kernels also make it popular for decorative purposes.
- Popcorn: A specific type of flint corn with a moisture-filled, hard kernel that explodes when heated. It is prized for its ability to pop.
- Flour Corn: Composed of soft starch, which makes it easy to grind. It was historically a staple for indigenous peoples of the Americas.
- Pod Corn: A genetic curiosity where each individual kernel is enclosed in its own husk.
Comparison of maize and corn usage
To illustrate the regional differences in terminology, here is a comparison of how the two terms are used in various contexts.
| Feature | 'Maize' Usage | 'Corn' Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Region | United Kingdom, Ireland, most international contexts | United States, Canada, Australia |
| International Organizations | Preferred term by the FAO and CIMMYT | Not typically used due to ambiguity |
| Scientific Name | Refers specifically to Zea mays | Often used interchangeably with 'maize' in North America |
| Food Product Names | 'Maize flour' in the UK, 'Maize meal' in South Africa | 'Cornmeal', 'Cornbread', 'Popcorn', 'Sweetcorn' |
| Historical Meaning | From indigenous Taíno word 'mahís' | Originally a generic term for any cereal grain |
Why the naming persists
The continued use of both 'maize' and 'corn' highlights the influence of history and geography on language. There has been no modern initiative to rename the crop. Instead, both names coexist, with their use often signaling the speaker's regional origin or the formality of the context. For instance, an American scientist would likely use 'maize' in a research paper for clarity but refer to 'corn on the cob' in a casual conversation.
The cultural importance of the maize/corn crop
Beyond the name, the crop's global importance is undeniable. As one of the world's most widely produced cereals, maize provides a staple food source for countless populations, especially in Africa and Latin America. It is a critical component of livestock feed and a source for numerous industrial products, including biofuel, adhesives, and sweeteners. The versatility of the crop, first domesticated thousands of years ago in Mexico, has ensured its central role in modern agriculture and economies worldwide.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no new name for maize. The term 'maize' is the scientifically and internationally preferred name for the crop Zea mays, while 'corn' is its popular name in North America and some other regions. This difference is a matter of linguistic history and regional custom, not a formal change. Understanding the distinction is key to navigating the terminology used in different parts of the world, from agricultural science to everyday culinary life. For definitive, international agricultural data, the term 'maize' remains the gold standard, ensuring a clear and specific reference to the globally important grain.
What is the new name for maize? - Key takeaways
- No new name exists: There has been no official renaming of maize. The perception of a "new name" stems from regional language differences.
- It's a matter of location: The term "corn" is predominant in North America, while "maize" is standard in the UK, many international organizations, and scientific contexts.
- The scientific name is Zea mays: This is the universal, unambiguous name used by botanists and agricultural scientists.
- Historic roots: The word "corn" originally referred to the most common local grain in England, before being adopted for the new American crop. The word "maize" comes from the indigenous Taíno language.
- Formal vs. casual use: "Maize" is used for international trade and science to avoid confusion, while "corn" is common in everyday language in certain regions.
- The varieties differ: Whether called maize or corn, there are several distinct types, such as sweet corn, dent corn, and popcorn, each with different uses.
