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Maize Nutrition and Recipes

Figure 1*
 Figure 2*
Figure 3*

World production of maize has shown a slight but steady increase over the years, but human consumption of the grain has remain mostly steady (see Figure 1*). The explanation for this is in Figure 2*, which shows that the majority of the increase in production has corresponded to an increase in the use of corn for animal feed. However, maize is still a staple food source for many people, especially in Africa. Figure 3* shows the top countries consuming corn for human nutrition. The countries are listed in order based on kg/capita/year, but you will notice that the calories from that supply differ according to the nutritional value of maize grown in or imported into that region.



Photo by Molly Fogleman

* FAOSTAT 2006 data

Want to learn about this healthy snack? Want to learn more about the most popular sweetener used in the United States? Use the following links to learn more.