Painted Mountain Corn

Developed in Montana during the 1970’s, Painted Mountain corn is a colorful variety of flour corn that was actually developed to be used as a food source and not merely for ornamental purposes. Besides, the cobs of this variety are multi-colored and slim measuring 15 to 18 centimeters long, not to mention that their smooth, round kernels come in shades of purple, blue, yellow, white, and maroon. In addition, young cobs at the ‘milk stage’ have white and yellow kernels that offer a semi-sweet, true corn flavor. Nutrition-wise, Painted Mountain corn is high in protein and carbohydrates, and contains the minerals phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. It also contains a good amount of fiber and smaller amounts of folate, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins. Furthermore, the richly colored red, blue and purple kernels contain anthocyanin, an important antioxidant that may offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits.