Carolina Corn Revival

Call us biased, but as Carolinians, we believe that North and South Carolina are home to the finest grain mills in the United States, and in these parts, corn is king. The Carolinas are known for their colorful array of heirloom corn varieties, including white, yellow, blue, Guinea Flint, Pencil Cob, Henry Moore, and Jimmy Red. These flavorful and nutritious grains are a true taste of the Carolinas, and we’re proud to be corn-fed.

The revival of heirloom corn planting and milling throughout the Carolinas today would not have happened without Glenn Roberts of Columbia, South Carolina–based Anson Mills, a key player in preserving and promoting a multitude of heirloom grains long found in the region. Roberts began researching and growing nearly extinct varieties of Southern mill corn in the late 1990s. He also rediscovered the technique of cold milling, which helps preserve the nutrients and flavor of the grains. While the significant contributions of Roberts and Anson Mills cannot be overstated, there are plenty of other Carolina mills worth trying. Some of our favorites include Marsh Hen Mill (Edisto Island, SC), Colonial Milling Co. (Pauline, SC), Farm & Sparrow (Mars Hill, NC), and Atkinson Milling Company (Selma, NC).