How Do I Choose the Best Dent Corn?

Dent corn is a type of field version of the popular starchy vegetable that is primarily grown in North America. Yellow dent corns are processed into a variety of packaged foods and cornmeal, but they are also the corn of choice by many farmers for animal feed. Choosing the best corn ultimately depends on for what you are using it, as well as your personal preference for organic produce. Farmers might consider buying the kernels in bulk as a less expensive way to feed livestock.

Corn is indigenous to the Americas, and it has since evolved into a staple for a variety of uses. Dent is a yellow type of field corn, and is characterized by subtle dents on the kernels. This is a starchy vegetable that is also high in vitamin A, fiber, and protein.

Sweet versions of corn are more often used to eat as is, as opposed to dent kinds. Although you can eat dent corn, the kernels are harder, so this type is most commonly processed into other foods, such as tortillas and cornmeal. Other baked goods, such as cornbread, are also most often derived from the kernels of yellow dent corn. Due to the generally large availability, North American farmers often use dried dent kernels to feed their livestock.

Fresh dent corn is preferred if you are looking to cook and eat the kernels right off of the ears. The kernels should be slightly dented, but they should not be soft or mushy. Some consumers prefer organically-grown corn, which is harvested without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and herbicides. Some people are skeptical over the supposed benefits of organic dent corn over conventional versions due to the fact that the kernels are enclosed in a hard shell. If you prefer organic yellow dent corn, keep in mind that it is more expensive in some regions compared to traditionally-grown types.

Dried field corn kernels are popular in feeding livestock on farms. In order to save money, farmers might consider buying dent corn in bulk directly from manufacturers on the Internet. This option is more convenient especially if you do not grow any corn on your land, and if you have a large quantity of animals to feed. Keep in mind that organic versions might be more expensive than conventional corn. When buying field corn in bulk for livestock, you will want to store the kernels in airtight containers to avoid spoilage and insect invasions.