Maize is a cereal grain first domesticated in southern Mexico. The stalk of the plant bears pollen-producing inflorescences and separate ovule-bearing structures called ears, which produce kernels or seeds that are fruits. Corn is rich in vitamin C, which helps protect your cells from damage and wards off diseases like cancer and heart disease. Yellow corn is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, the carotenoids that help prevent damage to the lens of the eye that leads to cataracts.

National Maize Day is on November 26 this year, a day after Thanksgiving.

In 2004, artist Corinne Lightweaver unintentionally launched the holiday as a small research experiment with her family. The idea was to observe Thanksgiving Day from the standpoint of the indigenous people.