A Social History of Corn

After 2 years of being sidetracked by other books and things, I picked up my copy of Michael Pollan's book The Omnivore's Dilemma this weekend. I am having to go through it slowly as I'm finding there is so much to absorb I often have to put it down, walk away and spend some time thinking about what I've read.

I spent a great deal of time this weekend reading lines from the chapter on corn to my poor husband who just wanted to hang out and be Superbowl ready. I found it fascinating. From entertaining tidbits such as the fact that the phrase "cornhole" comes from the fact that people used the husks as toilet paper, to the importance that corn has played throughout our history. I knew that for the native Americans it was an extremely important source of food (although, I do not recall learning anything about its importance in my Canadian history classes - I understand that in many areas it would have more difficulty growing - but I am curious to find out what role it played in Canada).

I was not aware that corn played an important role in the slave trade. Although, to be honest, the longer I live in the States, the more I am aware of how ignorant I am of American history - that may be something that is common knowledge. I didn't know that when it made its way to Europe that it made many people sick. Or, that on the frontier it was a great "source of fiber and animal feed, a heating fuel and an intoxicant."

This is such a superficial account of corn and its ties to American (and world) history. It has left me intrigued to find out more.