Is Corn a Starch?

The debate over corn being a vegetable or a starch-rich foodstuff, arises as a result of different ways of using it for consumption. This plant is used both for the purpose of obtaining grains and as a vegetable (especially the sweet corn part). Starch/carbohydrates are present in corn grains just like in other grains. However, if the corn plant (most commonly the sweet corn) is harvested prematurely and used for consumption, it is classified as vegetable.

Corn grains are actually fruits, which originate from the reproductive parts of the plant. Therefore, it becomes clear that corn is not a vegetable. However, the word, 'vegetable' is not scientific, and is commonly used in different culinary traditions.

It is one of the carbohydrates types that is composed of glucose units. The glycosidic bonds connect these units to each other. Thus, such polysaccharide structures connected by such bonds are the fundamental units of starch. The color of pure starch is white, and it also is the important energy source of plants. This substance is odorless and tasteless.

The different molecules, which form its constituents are amylopectin, and helical and linear amylose. Percentage of amylopectin in starch (20 - 25%) is greater than that of linear and helical amylose (75 - 80%). Plants obtain energy from sunlight, and convert it into sugar, which is further converted into starch in the form of granules, which are present in the plant grains. The process of conversion from sugar to starch takes place with the help of several enzymes.

The starch obtained from the corn kernel i.e., its endosperm, is referred to as cornstarch. Thomas Kingsford isolated this compound in the year 1840. Earlier, the starch obtained from corn was used only for industrial purposes and laundry uses. Presently, this starch is also used in the preparation of liquid-based foods; it is utilized as a thickening agent in the preparation of such items.

These plant parts are the ones like roots and stems, or any other vegetative parts, which can be used for edible purposes. Reproductive parts of the plant is not consumed as vegetables. Corn grains cannot be termed as a vegetable according to the above description. This is because the edible parts of these plants are the grains produced on cobs. Grains are actually fruits, and therefore, form the reproductive plant parts.

It is said that corn is a starchy vegetable; this is because both the vegetative and reproductive part (fruit/grain) are used for consumption. Sweet corn is used for its vegetative part as well as grains. The other varieties are mainly used for obtaining grains.

The use of both reproductive part (grains) and vegetative part for consumption, allows for naming this plant as a starchy vegetable. This plant also contains nutrients like proteins and vitamins (C, B9, B5, etc.). It also contains dietary fibers necessary for maintaining the digestive health of our body.

As a concluding remark, we can say that corn is classified under the category of starch due to substantial carbohydrate content, as against the category of vegetables. Peas, dried beans, potatoes, plantains, soybeans, lima beans, etc., are other vegetables that also have a high carbohydrate content.

Some people find it confusing to determine whether corn is a starch or vegetable. Plants have both the vegetative and reproductive parts. It is the part that we make use of determines, whether a plant belongs to the vegetable or grain type.