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Flint corn, (Zea mays indurata; also known in most countries as Indian corn or even calico corn) is the same species as but a different variant of corn (var. Linnaeus). ^[1] Because each kernel has a hard outer layer to protect the soft endosperm, it is likened to being hard as flint; hence the name.^[2] With even less soft starch than dent corn, it is too hard to bear concavities.^[3] Because this also means that it has a very low water content and, as such, is more resistant to freezing than other vegetables, it was the only Vermont crop to survive New England's infamous "Year Without a Summer" of 1816.^[4]

[edit] Colouration

Flint corn is open-pollinated so neighbouring kernels may bear remarkably different genes and therefore colours.^[5] Like the Linnaeus variant of maize, any kernel may contain the yellow pigment, zeanthacin but at more varying concentrations.^[6], of which popcorn is considered a variant. It has a hard, slightly translucent kernel.^[7] It also is the preferred type of corn for making hominy, a staple food since pre-Columbian times.

[edit] References

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