Corn: Types of Corn

Mature corn seeds (kernels) consist of three main parts: the germ (embryo for a new plant), the endosperm (the storehouse of food energy as starch), and an outer hull, or pericarp. The many varieties of corn can be classified into six major types based predominantly on the different characteristics of the kernels: dent, flint, flour, sweet, pod, and popcorn. Dent corn gets its name from the dent (or depression) on the dried, mature kernel as a result of the shrinking of the soft, floury starch within the hard starch in the endosperm of the kernel. Most dent corn is yellow or white. Americans grow more dent corn than any other type, and it is important for livestock feed. Flint corn has a smooth kernel and either a complete absence of soft starch or a limited amount fully surrounded by hard endosperm. The kernels range in color from white to deep red. It grows well in cool climates, reaches maturity early, and resists insect pests and disease.