Maize – golden yellow and sweet
Maize is not only a popular food, but also an important ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Whether as a side dish, snack or main ingredient, it has a wide range of uses. In this article, you will learn everything about the nutritional values of maize, its health benefits and tips for storage. We also examine whether dogs can eat maize and how healthy tinned maize is.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe just above 0 °C with high humidity | 5 days |
| Refrigerator compartment 7 °C | 2 days |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | 12 months |
The key points
- Maize belongs to the Poaceae family.
- Maize is found worldwide and is one of the most important types of grain.
- With around 16% carbohydrates, maize provides quick energy.
- Dogs can eat small amounts of well-cooked, unseasoned maize.
- Removed kernels are easy to freeze.
Maize: an important cereal crop worldwide
What exactly is maize? The scientific name of maize is Zea mays. The plant belongs to the Poaceae family, which also includes wheat, rye, oats and rice. Maize cultivation has increased significantly in recent decades and is now one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. Originally native to South America, maize is now grown in many countries, with varieties varying depending on the region.
Flint maize dominates in Europe, while dent and waxy maize are common in the USA. For hobby gardeners, growing sweet maize is a worthwhile option, as it tastes particularly sweet when freshly harvested. When growing, ensure sufficient sunlight and regular watering to achieve a rich harvest.
The tasty grains may be white, yellow, red or blue. Have you ever heard of glass gem maize? The kernels of this special maize cob are not yellow as usual, but can also be red or purple.
Maize: nutrients and calories at a glance
Maize is not only tasty, but also nutritious. With a high carbohydrate content (approx. 16 %), it provides quick energy. It is also rich in important nutrients such as beta-carotene, magnesium and zinc, which contribute to good health. However, the protein content is relatively low (approximately 3 %). A 100-gram serving of maize has about 86 calories. To get the most out of the nutrients, it is best to use fresh or frozen maize, as tinned maize often contains fewer vitamins.
Can dogs eat maize?
Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of maize, but there are some important points to keep in mind. Fresh maize is generally better than tinned maize, as the latter often contains sugar, salt or preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. If you want to give your dog maize, boil it well and mash it up. This makes the nutrients more readily available and reduces the risk of digestive problems. Raw maize is difficult to digest because dogs have trouble breaking down plant cell walls. Serve the maize without seasoning, butter or salt, as these additives can cause gastrointestinal problems. Maize can be a good addition to a normal meal, but should never be the main source of nutrition.
How healthy is tinned maize?
Tinned maize is a practical option when fresh maize is not available. However, it may contain fewer nutrients, as the preservation process breaks down some vitamins. When buying, look for products without added sugar or preservatives. Tinned maize is ideal for salads, soups or as a side dish. To maximize the nutritional content, combine tinned sweetmaize with fresh vegetables or other healthy ingredients.
Tips for storing maize correctly
Storing maize correctly is crucial to preserving its freshness and sweetness. Fresh maize should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe or in a damp kitchen towel to retain moisture. At a temperature just above 0 °C, it will stay fresh for up to five days. Removed kernels can be frozen without any problems to extend their shelf life. Maize flour and starch should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.
Versatile preparation of maize
Due to its worldwide cultivation, the variety of maize recipes could not be greater: and popular dishes include maize bread, polenta, popmaize, tortillas or maizeflakes. Due to its sweet-mealy taste, maize goes well with meat dishes. But the golden yellow grain also tastes great with tomatoes, beans or pumpkin.
Boiling and grilling maize
Fresh sweet maize should be blanched in lightly salted water for about 5 to 7 minutes before boiling, until the kernels are tender. Be careful not to boil the cobs for too long, as they will lose their sweetness. Another option is to grill the maize cobs, which gives them a delicious aroma. Simply serve the cooked maize with a little butter and a pinch of salt, or use it as an ingredient in salads and other dishes. This preserves the natural flavor of the maize and allows you to enjoy its versatility!
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of food and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
