A maize ear (also called a corn ear or ear of corn) is the part of the maize plant that contains the kernels (the seeds). It’s the part we commonly eat as corn on the cob.
Here’s a quick breakdown 👇
🌽 What Is a Maize Ear?
A maize ear is the flower structure of the maize plant that develops into a cob filled with kernels. It forms on the side of the plant (not at the top—those are tassels).
An ear contains:
-
Cob (core) — the central, non-edible part
-
Kernels — the edible seeds
-
Husk — green leaves that protect the ear
-
Silk — threads that come out of the top
🌱 How It Forms
-
Tassel releases pollen
-
Silks catch pollen
-
Each fertilized silk grows one kernel
➡️ More pollination = fuller ear
🍽️ Common Uses of Maize Ears
-
Corn on the cob
-
Removing kernels for cooking
-
Making popcorn (from specific varieties)
-
Producing cornmeal, flour, and tortillas
-
Livestock feed
🧪 Nutritional Value (per 1 medium ear)
-
Calories: ~90
-
Carbs: 19g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Protein: 3g
-
Rich in Vitamin B6, folate, and antioxidants like lutein
If you’d like, I can explain:
🌽 How a maize ear develops
🌱 The difference between sweet corn and field corn
🥣 Recipes using fresh maize ear
📸 Or identify maize structures from a photo (upload one!)
What do you want next?
