An exotic vegetable with an amazing look - black corn: properties, uses in cooking and traditional medicine

If you caught your eye corn black - do not think that it has deteriorated. The Peruvian variety of cereals has such an unusual color. In Europe, it is quite rare. Black corn got its unusual color due to its high content of anthocyanins - natural antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory and even antitumor effects. What else is Peruvian maize useful, can it harm your health and what dishes are made from it - read about this and more in our article.

Feature and Description

Black corn, in addition to color, does not differ in appearance from the traditional yellow. It has exactly the same cob and grain structure.

Its color is not entirely black: it has a purple tint. In section, the grains can have a bluish, purple or yellow tint.

In Peruvian Indians, black corn was originally ripe small cobs, no more than 4 cm. During the selection, it turned out to change not only its taste, but also make the plant tall (about 2 m) with large cobs (up to 30 cm).

The taste of such corn is no different from sugar corn, the most familiar to us.

Reference.It is believed that the pigments anthocyanins, which are responsible for the blue and purple color of vegetables, fruits and berries, prevent the development of tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. However, researchers are not yet ready to recommend specific "anti-cancer" foods.

Composition and properties

The grains of black corn contain a large amount of trace elements:

• phosphorus;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• copper;
• nickel;
• potassium.

Also, black maize is rich in vitamins:

• AND;
• B1 and B2;
• C;
• E;
• K;
• PP.

Corn protein contains the essential amino acids tryptophan and lysine, which help to effectively fight depression and insomnia.

Grain is rich in proteins, fats, fiber and carbohydrates, but at the same time it is a dietary product: 100 g contains only 120 kcal. Carbohydrates stabilize blood sugar and energize.

Benefit and harm

Even 7000 years ago, black corn was used for medicinal purposes by the tribes of the Incas, Quechua and Mochica. Scientists have proven that it really has a unique composition that has a positive effect on the human body:

1. Removes excess cholesterol.
2. Rejuvenates the body.
3. Helps cope with stress and insomnia.
4. Normalizes the digestive tract.
5. Stabilizes metabolism.
6. Nourishes the muscles.
7. It removes toxins and radionuclides from the body.
8. Improves the work of the cardiovascular system.
9. Helps with some liver diseases.
10. Reduces the risk of cancer.

Contraindications

Excessive consumption of such corn can cause discomfort in the stomach or intestines. It is also contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and the presence of conditions such as:

• increased blood clotting;
• tendency to thrombosis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• stomach ulcer.

Cooking applications

As already noted, black corn tastes the same as yellow corn, so it can be used in the preparation of the same dishes. At the same time, familiar salads or side dishes will sparkle with new colors due to the unusual color of the product.

Corn can be eaten boiled, baked, canned and raw.Also, the grains are dried and ground into homemade corn flour.

Traditional Peruvian Recipe - Masamorra Morada Pudding

This pudding is cooked in the same way as jelly, but very thick.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of black corn;
• 3 carnation buds;
• 3 cinnamon sticks;
• 1 pineapple;
• 1 Granny Smith apple
• 1 quince;
• 1 lime;
• 0.5 cups dried apricots;
• 0.5 cups dried cherries;
• 1 star anise;
• 2 tbsp. l. stevia;
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon.

Preparation:

1. Wash the corn and fruits thoroughly. Unpeeled fruits (even pineapple) will be used.
2. Cut the apple and quince into large pieces, without peeling or removing the seeds. Peel the pineapple, but do not discard. Cut the corn cobs into several pieces.
3. Combine all chopped fruits, pineapple skins, and corn in a large saucepan. Pour 9 glasses of water.
4. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for another 1.5 hours. During this time, a third of the water should evaporate.
6. Strain the liquid and pour back into the pot.
7. Add chopped pineapple, dried apricots, cherries and stevia. Cook the mixture for 20 minutes from the moment it boils.
8. Dissolve the starch with cold water and pour in a thin stream into a saucepan with fruit. Mix everything well. Cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the stove.
9. Squeeze the lime juice into a saucepan. Mix again.
10. Pour the pudding into molds, sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve hot or chilled.

Application in traditional medicine

In Peru, this cereal is treated as a medicine. On the basis of the powder, various tinctures, ointments and lotions are prepared from the grains.

"Chicha morada"

This recipe is many years old. The drink fills the body with energy, removes toxins, blocks hunger and normalizes sleep. It is not only healthy, but also very tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of black corn;
• 600 g pineapple;
• 150 g apples;
• 60 g lemon;
• sugar, cloves and cinnamon to taste.

Preparation:

1. Wash all fruits and corn.
2. Peel the pineapple, but do not discard. It is the peel that will be needed to prepare the drink. Cut the apples into large pieces.
3. Place apples, corn, pineapple peels and spices in a saucepan. Pour all 4 liters of water and bring to a boil. Boil the drink until the corn kernels start to burst.
4. Cool the broth and strain.
5. Squeeze lemon juice into it, add sugar if desired.

Black corn tincture

It is taken for inflammation and lung cancer, bronchitis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Before that, you should definitely consult with your doctor!

The tincture is drunk in 30 drops, diluted in pineapple juice, twice a day, 15 minutes before meals.

Ingredients:

• 200 g black corn;
• 500 ml of vodka.

Preparation:

1. Cut the cobs into several parts.
2. Put in a glass container and fill with vodka.
3. Remove for a week in a dark place.
4. Strain the finished tincture.

Corn silk tincture

Has a calming effect. With prolonged use, this drink is able to dissolve stones in the kidneys and ureters, helps with hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Ingredients:

• 100 g corn silk;
• 1 cup boiling water

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the stigmas.
2. Cool to room temperature and drain.
3. Take every four hours for 3 tbsp. spoons.

Features of growing and care

Since the homeland of the plant is South America, the growing conditions must be created about the same. This cereal does not tolerate night frosts and thrives at temperatures of 20-24 ° C. Therefore, in the north of Russia and in Siberia, it is unlikely that it will be possible to grow black corn, but in the south it is quite possible.

Before planting, the seeds must be prepared. To do this, they are soaked for five days in a solution of wood ash (for 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of ash). It is advisable to choose the site where legumes, cabbage or tomatoes grew before.

Seeds are planted in April, laid at a depth of 8 cm. The corn ripens 85-120 days after the seedlings appear.The timing directly depends on the growing conditions.

Council. Top dressing with zinc, molybdenum and superphosphate will help to grow corn in unfamiliar conditions.

Conclusion

Black corn is an incredibly healthy exotic grain. Its positive properties have been verified by many years of experience of the South American population, which uses black maize both as a medicine and as a food product. Original Peruvian recipes with tropical fruits and numerous spices have a highly tonic effect and heal the body.